SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) offered the following statement after filing an updated ethics reform bill found within Senate Bill 2909:

"The ethics reform package (SB 539) passed in the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly was a good step in the long overdue task of reforming rules and conduct of those of us who are elected to represent our constituents and make laws in Springfield. While I applaud these efforts, and recognize that this bill is an important beginning, I firmly believe reform measures need to go even further.  We senators and representatives must all be required to look ourselves squarely in the mirror and ask, "Am I acting in an honorable way that will bring trust to this legislative body I have been selected to serve?"

For so many years there has been a blurred line when legislators take official action on matters where they have a conflict of interest.  I am introducing legislation that would require disclosure of a conflict of interest on any legislation brought before the General Assembly, rather than merely suggesting that legislators "should" disclose a conflict, as is currently the case.  My legislation, SB 2909, would mandate that conflicts of interest be made public and that this disclosure be attached to the official record of the bill in question.  

Some of my colleagues may squirm at this proposal, others may say there is no practical way for elected officials to do this. To them, I say, please bring your ideas and concerns to me and let us work together to address the changes that need to be made.

Our constituents who send us to represent them in Springfield deserve nothing less. We must continue to build on the initial ethics bill and restore credibility and trust to those of us honored with the responsibility of representing our neighbors."

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure people with gluten intolerances aren’t unknowingly consuming gluten in the medications they take, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to require oral drugs to carry proper warning labels was signed into law.

“Restaurants and grocery stores have increased their gluten-free offerings and have become far better equipped to properly label and handle items for people with dietary restrictions,” Morrison said. “People with Celiac and other gluten intolerances should feel just as protected when visiting a pharmacy.”

Under the law signed Friday, any prescription or over-the-counter drug that contains gluten but is not labeled as such would be considered misbranded. Because most medications do not contain gluten, consumers are often under the assumption none do unless otherwise specified. Therefore, if a drug does contain gluten and is not accurately labeled, a person with Celiac or other gluten intolerances could take it and be surprised with harmful health issues.

Celiac disease affects nearly three million Americans who must follow a fully gluten-free diet. Many more struggle with gluten sensitivity.

“The law will make it easier and safer for people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to make informed purchases of necessary medications,” Morrison said. “We expect the food we purchase to be properly labeled, so why shouldn’t we expect the same from the medications we take?”

House Bill 279 was signed into law Friday.

HIGHLAND PARK – Wrapped in photos of Anne Frank, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Harriet Tubman, Simon Wiesenthal, Cesar Chavez and Rosa Parks, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance drives across the country with one mission: to teach communities how they can make a difference, much like the changes made by those historical figures.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is bringing the traveling museum to Highland Park next week to address the tide of hate people across the country face.

“We’ve seen an increase of hate toward minority communities in Illinois and across the country – and it must stop,” Morrison said. “We need to strive for open dialogue, mutual understanding and positive education within our communities to end this discrimination.”

As an advocate for peace building and conflict resolution, Morrison is partnering with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to show people how they can combat ill feelings for certain groups. The Mobile Museum of Tolerance seeks to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to raise their voices and combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance and to promote human dignity.

The traveling museum includes a theater with seating and workshops to teach people about a variety of topics, including the evils behind the Holocaust and the fight for civil rights that continues today.

Located in the parking lot of the Highland Park Recreation Center on Park Avenue West, people can visit the Mobile Museum of Tolerance free of charge to learn about topics ranging from the legacy of the Holocaust to the power of ordinary people to create positive change in the community. The bus is open from noon-6 p.m. each day of the week of July 26-30.

“The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a reminder that each of us can make a difference if we simply work together and learn how to care for one another,” Morrison said. “No matter if you’re 5 or 85, there’s work you can do to become the best ally to your neighbors.”

People with questions about the event can contact Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the success of State Senator Julie Morrison’s law to provide more efficient ways for people to cast their ballot from home during the peak of the pandemic, a new proposal to make voting by mail permanently more accessible was signed into law.

“The COVID-19 demonstrated the interest and efficiency of voting by mail,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This becomes a permanent change that will encourage more voters to participate in the election process.” 

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison successfully championed a law to mail a 2020 General Election vote-by-mail application to every person who voted during the previous two years. In response, one of every three votes cast during the election was cast via a mail ballot. 

The law expands upon Morrison’s previous voting rights progress by allowing voters to request to be added to a list to permanently receive vote-by-mail ballots for all future elections. Voters who are added to the permanent vote-by-mail list will remain on the list unless requested to be removed or the election authority receives confirmation the voter has registered in another county. 

Additionally under the newly signed law, people with disabilities would be able to independently and privately fill out ballots using assistive technology – a provision originally led by Morrison.

“Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issues,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 825 was signed by the governor Thursday. It takes effect immediately.