Bob Morgan illinois state representative

Highland Park town hall meeting on gun violence attracts more than 100 people

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Morgan called gun violence a “public health crisis,” and said he remained supportive of the Illinois assault weapons, which is facing a court fight around the state..... “We spent the last six months building a coalition, not just the assault weapons ban,” said Morgan, who heads a statehouse working group on gun issues.
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Local advocates stand with governor as he signs law banning assault-style weapons

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The tragedy in Highland Park reenergized the discussion of an assault-weapons ban in Illinois, and State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield), who attended the Highland Park parade on July 4, sponsored the bill also known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act on Dec. 1, 2022.
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Illinois House Democrats unveil proposal to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines in response to Highland Park mass shooting

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“I’ve spent months meeting with victims, policy experts, community leaders and more,” Morgan, who led a group of House Democrats in putting together the proposal, wrote in a Twitter post Thursday. “Thanks to their feedback and perspectives, I’m confident that this comprehensive approach gets at the root of the gun violence epidemic and will save lives.”
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Illinois releasing $20 Million in security funding grants for nonprofits

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"These grants represent part of our commitment to enhancing public safety in light of the domestic threat posed to places of worship and cultural institutions. Protecting lives and property from acts of violence begins with dedication of these state resources, and brings us closer to a safer Illinois.”
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State Rep. Bob Morgan To Chair Illinois House Gun Safety Working Group

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HIGHLAND PARK, IL — As Illinois state lawmakers pledged to consider legislation aimed at addressing gun violence, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch on Monday appointed a dozen Democratic state representatives to a new gun safety working group. State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) has been appointed to chair the House Firearm Safety Reform Working group.
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Lawmaker who was at parade shooting issues call to action

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Illinois state Representative Bob Morgan (D) was at the July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois, with his kids when a mass shooting killed seven and injured more than two dozen. He tells CNN's Jim Sciutto what action viewers can take to effect gun control change in their states.
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Proposal to protect workers from getting fired for off-the-job marijuana use advances with state lawmakers

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The chief sponsor, state Rep. Bob Morgan, a Democrat from Deerfield and an attorney who does cannabis consulting, said the change would let people, especially medical cannabis users, use a legal product on their own time “and not fear losing their job.”
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Storm Sewer Improvements Underway in Lake Forest

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On May 9, Lake County welcomed Illinois Governor Pritzker to Waukegan to announce and give thanks for $30 million in initial funding granted to complete regional stormwater infrastructure projects, including this project in Lake Forest. The initial funding received will be used to complete 14 projects, providing stormwater management benefits to more than 2,300 properties and 25 roadways across our county.
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Illinois Weighs $1 Billion of Debt to Extend Pension Buyouts

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A bill introduced in December by state Representative Bob Morgan, a Democrat, would approve borrowing to extend a buyout option for many employees of the state, its universities and school systems. The debt would be on top of a previous authorization from 2018 to issue $1 billion of so-called pension-obligation acceleration debt, most of which has been sold.
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Bird-Safety Glass Act Goes into Effect in Illinois

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“I am proud to have passed a common-sense and cost-neutral bill that will reduce bird deaths,” says Illinois state representative Bob Morgan. “Chicago is the deadliest city in the U.S. for bird migration, but with these simple adjustments, we have made Illinois a safer place for birds.”
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Illinois Supreme Court decides gun cases with more issues left to tackle

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State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, said in a statement the outcome affirms that local municipalities have the ability to control the weapons in their community. “Today is a tremendous day for Deerfield,” Morgan said. “This makes Deerfield safer and is a win for the community.”
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Illinois House Democrats approve COVID-19 clarification to Health Care Right of Conscience Act

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House Democrats passed a proposal to clarify a portion of the law on a 64-52-2 vote late Wednesday night. The vote came after nearly an hour and a half of debate. Democrats said the 1998 law was never meant to be used during a pandemic. In fact, the current legislation passed to help medical providers who decided to not perform certain procedures if it was against their conscience.
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Girardi case inspires new legislation to rein in plaintiffs' bar

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HB 4128, introduced by state Representative Bob Morgan, is designed to give clients a route to challenge their attorneys in court if they believe they haven’t received money they are owed from a settlement or other payout.
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Deerfield dedicates garden to former Mayor Harriet Rosenthal

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Bringing people together was one of the focuses during former Deerfield Mayor Harriet Rosenthal’s 44 years in public service. Thanks to a new garden dedicated in her honor in front of Village Hall, the community will have a new place to gather and come together. Harriett’s Garden, which features a perennial flower bed and a flagstone path leading to a bench, was dedicated Sept. 18 in a ceremony that celebrated her contributions to the community.
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The Hill: Illinois Republican's husband denies ties to militia group despite truck decal

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The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association has called for a state investigation into Miller following reports of the logo on his truck. Illinois state Rep. Bob Morgan (D) tweeted last week calling Miller’s display of the logo on his truck “garbage and disqualifying for a member of the IL General Assembly.”
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Chicago Tribune: State bill would allow TIF funds to help build Highwood housing development with units for adults with disabilities

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“Affordable housing requires affirmative action steps,” said Morgan. “In Highwood, there are new developments and we wanted to make sure the resources used from the TIF were going toward developments that retained the character of the community. We wanted to make sure this property was being developed with affordable housing units. [This legislation] makes the CCHI development possible,” Morgan said, referring to House Bill 570 which extends an existing TIF from 2025 to 2037.
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KHQA: Illinois General Assembly concludes 5th day of lame duck session

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Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle delivered passionate speeches about the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week. "I am furious that a member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation thought it was appropriate to quote Adolf Hitler at a political rally," Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highwood, said. "I'm furious that anyone ever thought that would be OK." Morgan was speaking in reference to U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who made the remark at a rally in Washington D.C. prior to the riots.
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WGN9: Madigan’s power in question as prominent Democrats push for new leadership

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Eight Democrats have publicly stated they will not vote for Madigan as House Speaker as other statewide political powerhouses begin to urge Madigan to step down as party chairman, a position he has held since April 1998. Last weekend, Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan of Deerfield e-mailed his constituents, voicing his issues with Madigan. “The allegations surrounding Speaker Madigan and Commonwealth Edison are extremely troubling, as are one about sexual harassment by top aides.”
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Herald & Review: Illinois Democrats outline ethics proposals

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Democratic state lawmakers called a virtual news conference Thursday morning in support of ethics reforms. The nine initiatives proposed included new regulations to clarify that lawmakers should not lobby officials at any level of government or be allowed to jump into lobbying immediately after leaving office. The proposals also included establishing term limits for leadership positions in the House, inline with current Senate rules. These “nine steps to restoring trust in Illinois government,” Democratic legislators said, can be tackled in the November veto session when the chambers are scheduled to convene in Springfield.
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Coalition of Democratic Lawmakers Propose Sweeping Ethics Reforms

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In the wake of the numerous, ongoing federal investigations involving bribery, influence peddling and insider-trading impacting state government officials and lobbyists, a broad coalition of lawmakers gathered today to announce their support for nine specific ethics reform measures that they believe could receive bi-partisan support in the upcoming veto session. Democratic lawmakers from both the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate say these proposals would dramatically increase transparency and take meaningful strides toward restoring public trust in state government.
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District 58 Restaurants and Businesses Offer Carry-out and Delivery to Help Stop Spread of COVID-19

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In response to ongoing concerns related to the community spread of COVID-19, restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses in the 58th District have gone above and beyond to provide delivery and curbside options during this unprecedented time. Rep. Morgan encourages all constituents of the 58th District to support businesses offering delivery and curbside services during this time.
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Herald & Review: Pritzker authorizes remote meetings for local governments, public bodies

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Gov. JB Pritzker used his emergency powers Monday to waive a portion of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to allow local governments and other public bodies to hold “remote” meetings to help control the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. "In times like these, the role of the local press and broadcasters is more important than ever,” Rep. Morgan said in a statement. “While we need to take steps to ensure that members of public bodies can safely meet to do the important work of local government, we also need to take steps to make sure that the press and public know about these meetings, and are able to listen and participate in these meetings as well.”
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NPR: Illinois General Assembly Cancels Session Days — Groups Banned From Statehouse

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Citing concerns about coronavirus disease, the Illinois General Assembly is cancelling session for next week. Authorities are also restricting other large gatherings in the Capitol building. State Rep. Bob Morgan says people are “contained and confined with hundreds of other — if not thousands of other — people, at a time when that’s exactly what we should be trying to avoid." He continued, "We function and our whole existence relies on the ability of the public to access us. When that exact premise is what is putting people in danger, I think we have to be very, very thoughtful about that, and take the steps necessary to keep people safe.”
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Heartland Institute: Illinois Should Create Interstate Compact to End Corporate Giveaways

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Lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly recently introduced HB 4138, which would create the Phase Out Corporate Giveaways Interstate Compact. This compact would serve as an agreement between member states to refrain from participating in the practice of corporate subsidies. Corporate subsides manifest in the form of tax incentives or grants, in an attempt to attract businesses. Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) introduced the bill, which is a good first step in ending the practice of corporate welfare. In general, corporate subsidies overwhelmingly benefit large corporations. The bill defines “corporate giveaways” as any company-specific grant or company-specific tax incentive. A “company-specific grant” means any disbursement of funds via property, cash, or differed tax liability by the state government to a particular company. “Company-specific tax incentive” means any change in the general tax rate or valuation offered or presented to a specific company that is not available to other companies.
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NPR: Illinois Lawmakers Want To Limit Corporate Tax Breaks

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A pair of Illinois lawmakers are taking on the practice of offering tax breaks to lure companies from other states. Under the legislation, Illinois would agree to stop trying to poach businesses from other states — but only in states that promise to stop trying to poach companies from Illinois.
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Daily Herald: Lawmakers aim to end state-to-state corporate poaching

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Rep. Bob Morgan, of Deerfield, and Sen. Ram Villivalam, of Chicago, introduced identical legislation that would establish the "Phase Out Corporate Giveaways Interstate Compact." "These kinds of tax breaks have historically been justified as a necessary evil," Morgan said during a Statehouse news conference Tuesday. "A necessary expense to bring jobs and business to our state, but in many ways to keep jobs from leaving the state of Illinois as they hold us hostage, because other states are offering them tax incentives."
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Coalition to Phase Out Corporate Tax Giveaways Lead National, Bipartisan Effort to End State Subsidy Battles

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State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) join legislators from around the country in unveiling a national bipartisan campaign to phase out corporate giveaways by establishing an interstate compact. This bold proposal seeks to liberate states from participating in tax-payer funded subsidy battles by having states join together and refuse to provide companies with tax breaks or other incentives, as in the case of the Amazon HQ2 bidding war.
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Chicago Tribune: Area State Legislators Field Question About Their Springfield Agendas During Town Hall

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Northbrook-area state legislators came together for a town hall Tuesday night, taking questions from constituents on such topics as care for people with disabilities, taxes and green energy initiatives. About 70 people gathered in the auditorium of the Northbrook Public Library to listen to state senators Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield, and Laura Fine, D-Glenview, and state representatives — all of whom are up for reelection in March — Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, Jonathon Carroll, D-Northbrook, and Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview.
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WGN Radio: Here is how CBD legislation can have an impact in Illinois

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Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan joins The Roe Conn show with Anna Davlantes to explain how marijuana and CBD legislation can potentially impact the state of Illinois.
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Chicago Tribune: What’s in that CBD gummy? Testing of all CBD products proposed as sales skyrocket.

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From Chicago Tribune: The bill, from Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, would require all CBD products sold in the state to meet testing requirements that would be developed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “This legislation would give the Department of Agriculture the ability to step in to make sure we are selling products that are safe for people to use,” Morgan said.
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Morgan Sponsored Improvements to Medical Cannabis Program Signed into Law

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SB 2023 makes the program permanent, adds all of the medical conditions recommended by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board. SB 455 increases access for minors seeking cannabis treatment at school.
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Morgan calls for Illinois to lead Gun Reform

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Illinois - Now is the time to act on common sense gun safety laws.
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State Rep. Bob Morgan selected for Edgar Fellows Program

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State Rep. Bob Morgan selected for Edgar Fellows Program Morgan joins forty other emerging civic leaders for prestigious training program
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Four Morgan sponsored bills signed into law by Governor Pritzker

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Four Rep. Morgan sponsored bills signed into law by Gov. Pritzker Bills aid sanitary districts in land use, clarify easement procedures and make reforms to juvenile court system
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Updates from IL-58, July 22, 2019

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Newsletter for July 22, 2019
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Chicago Tribune: Recreational marijuana goes on sale Jan. 1 in Illinois. Dispensaries are already getting ready.

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“It feels as though we finally delivered on the promise to the patients,” said Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, sponsor of the legislation. “I don’t know how else to say it without getting emotional.”
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Morgan Legislation to Improve and Reauthorize Illinois Medical Cannabis Program passes House

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Legislation would stabilize the program to improve the quality of care and access for patients
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Morgan Votes to put Fair Tax Amendment on 2020 ballot, backs creation of Property Tax Rebate Fund

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Voters will have their voice heard in the November 2020 Election. Morgan backs $1 Billion in property tax relief, if voters approve amendment.
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Updates from IL-58, May 11, 2019

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Dear Friends, There is a lot in front of the General Assembly in the next three weeks. Know that I always appreciate your input as I look to represent you, please reach out to me and my team if you'd like to share your thoughts.  Below, I've include some information on the legislation I'll be working on passing as session comes to a close. Thanks, Bob
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Chicago Tribune: As health insurance prices soared, 'the state was powerless to stop it.' The House just passed a bill to change that.

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Chicago Tribune: As health insurance prices soared, 'the state was powerless to stop it.' The House just passed a bill to change that.
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Updates from IL-58, April 14, 2019

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Dear Friends, It was a productive week. I'm honored to serve as a representative of this community. I am focused on getting results and had the opportunity to pass some of my key initiatives. You can learn more about what I've been working on below. As always, never hesitate to let me know what's important to you. Thanks, Bob
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FAIIR Act advances through House Insurance Committee

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FAIIR Act advances through House Insurance Committee HB 471 would give the Department of Insurance the authority to reject unreasonable rate increases to health insurance plans
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Update from IL-58, March 31, 2019

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Dear Friends, It's been a busy and productive week in Springfield and here at home. Yesterday, I was happy to have a town hall in Lake Forest where I updated constituents on recent legislative developments. If you weren't able to make it, read below for details. Thanks, Bob
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Morrison, Morgan Respond to Injunction of Deerfield Assault Weapons Ban

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Morrison, Morgan Respond to Injunction of Deerfield Assault Weapons Ban Ruling emphasizes need for state level action on Assault Weapons, common sense gun reform
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Updates from IL-58, March 22, 2019

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It was nice to see some familiar faces while running around the Capitol on Wednesday. Thanks to Moms Demand Action for all you do and for making the trip to advocate for change in Springfield. I'm with you 100%.
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Morgan Advances Legislation to Reauthorize and Improve Medical Cannabis in Illinois

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Morgan Advances Legislation to Reauthorize and Improve Medical Cannabis in Illinois Legislation received bi-partisan support in the House Human Services committee, would stabilize the program to improve the quality of life for patients
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Updates from IL-58, March 15

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On Wednesday, I was pleased to welcome Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg to the Capitol, along with my fellow House colleagues from Lake County. Sheriff Idleburg has taken strides to improve transparency in his department and be proactive in keeping Lake County safe from gun violence in his first 100 days in office.
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Morgan Introduces Scholars of Service (SOS) Act

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Morgan Introduces Scholars of Service (SOS) Act Morgan bill creates a lifeline for IL residents abandoned by Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
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Updates from IL-58, March 3rd

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Dear Friends, It was another productive week in Springfield and here at home. The legislative process is in full swing and some of my priorities are advancing through committee. On Thursday, I was part of introducing the Clean Energy Jobs Act with my colleagues. Yesterday, I was happy to be back home and meeting with constituents at a town hall in Deerfield. I look forward to having town halls and other public events regularly, you'll see them here first. Thanks, Bob
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UPDATES FROM IL-58, Feb 24

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As legislation begins to work its way through committee and as we consider the 2020 budget, know that I will be working to represent you. I want to hear about what is important to you, don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts.
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Morgan Statement on Governor JB Pritzker’s Budget Address

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“Today's Budget Address by Governor Pritzker was a good first step in addressing our state's shaky financial situation after decades of mismanagement. 
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Updates from IL-58, Feb 15

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On Thursday, I was proud to support SB1 which will increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour over a period of 6 years. Working families have seen costs increase as their wages have stagnated. The legislation also provides tax credits to small businesses. You can read more about SB1 here.
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Illinois Legislators Visit North Suburban YMCA

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Local legislators stopped by The North Suburban YMCA on February 11 to give an update on Springfield, discuss local issues, and learn more about how the Y provides an array of services for children and families in its 15 local communities. In attendance were Representative Robyn Gabel; Senator Laura Fine; Representative Bob Morgan; Senator Julie Morrison; Representative Jonathan Carroll, and Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs Executive Director, Christy Filby. The NSYMCA's President/CEO Howard Schultz led the discussion.
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Morgan Votes to Increase Minimum Wage to $15 over Six Years

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SPRINGFIELD, IL- Today, State Representative Bob Morgan voted to increase the minimum hourly wage for Illinois workers to $15 an hour by 2025. SB1 increases the Illinois minimum wage for the first time since 2010. “Working families throughout Illinois have seen the cost of living skyrocket as their wages remain stagnant,” Morgan said. “This increase will provide desperately needed relief for hard working Illinoisans that struggle with poverty despite working full time.”
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MORGAN PROPOSES HEALTH INSURANCE RATE REVIEW BOARD

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An independent review board would have to sign off on rates for health insurers under a measure proposed by freshman Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield. Morgan, a former lawyer for the Department of Public Health and former head of the state’s medical marijuana pilot program, said that similar boards in other states have led to rate decreases.
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Hospitals seek reform of Medicaid managed care system

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SPRINGFIELD — In response to concerns raised by hospitals and other health care providers in the Illinois Medicaid system, lawmakers have introduced three pairs of bills, with identical versions in both the House and Senate.
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Freshman state Rep. Bob Morgan looks to focus on health care, property taxes

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While taking his oath of office on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives, state Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) said he felt a sense of humility. Morgan, a freshman legislator, was sworn into the 101st Illinois General Assembly Jan. 9 as the lawmakers began their latest session.
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