North Cook News

Veteran state Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) fumes as struggling taxpayers seeking relief they’re entitled to from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) are being victimized all over again.

“There needs to be a forum where we can officially relay the problems our constituents have been having, our efforts to assist them and get answers from the department on why these problems haven’t been solved yet,” Morrison said. “We’ve been calling for hearings since April. The speaker’s office or one of his committee chairs would have to call us to order on this.”

Morrison isn’t alone in expressing his outrage and demands for action, as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are increasingly sharing similar stories of how many of their constituents have struggled with IDES’ shortcomings, which include not being able to get through to the department at all.  

“If there’s something IDES needs from the legislature, we need to know," Morrison added. "The governor and his administration own this problem right now. With the colder weather coming, and possibly more layoffs, the current situation remains unacceptable.”

Morrison said much of his time lately has been spent trying to figure out how extensive that problem is in his own district so he can more strongly advocate for them with the governor’s office.

“We’re still trying to ascertain how many workers we’re talking about here,” he said. “We want to be able to provide them with all the help we can.”

Serving as the face of the 54th District since 2011, Morrison is on the ballot in November, squaring off against Democrat challenger Maggie Trevor.