Yolonda Morris
Yolonda Morris | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 9th district | |
| Assumed office September 12, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Lakesia Collins |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Democratic |
Yolonda Morris is an American healthcare professional and politician serving as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 9th district, having first been appointed to the seat in 2023. Before entering the House, she worked as a nursing assistant and an organizer with the Service Employees International Union. Morris introduced a bill in 2026 to improve healthcare access and workplace protections for people experiencing menopause.
Career
[edit]Morris has worked as a nursing assistant and an organiser with the Service Employees International Union.[1] She worked in the healthcare industry for over two decades before becoming a state legislator.[2]
Morris was first appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2023 to replace fellow Democrat Lakesia Collins. She was reelected unopposed in 2024.[1]
In 2026, Morris introduced a bill called the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act to improve workplace protections and healthcare access for people experiencing menopause, as well as requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to create educational materials about menopause symptoms and treatment options. Morris experienced a hot flash while introducing the bill in committee. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support in April 2026.[2] Also in 2026, she sponsored a bill to allow rideshare drivers within the state to unionize.[3]
Morris has referred to herself as a "strong advocate for equitable housing access" and condemned discrimination by landlords against low-income tenants.[4] She supports banning hidden move-in fees to "rein in" the cost of housing and make it more affordable.[5]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Yolonda Morris". Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- 1 2 Chappell, Kate (May 4, 2026). "New menopause legislation aims to expand coverage, workplace protections in Illinois". NBC 5 Chicago. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ↑ Sarracino, Jacob (January 20, 2026). "Rideshare drivers rally for state law creating path for them to unionize". CBS News. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ↑ "Complaint accuses 165 Chicago area brokers of housing discrimination". The Chicago Crusader. February 7, 2025. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ↑ Spears, Rachel (April 23, 2025). "Illinois state legislature focuses on affordability concerns as some counties threaten secession". Daily Northwestern. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
External links
[edit]- Representative Yolonda Morris Archived February 2, 2024, at the Wayback Machine at the Illinois General Assembly
- Living people
- Democratic Party members of the Illinois House of Representatives
- African-American state legislators in Illinois
- Women state legislators in Illinois
- 21st-century African-American women politicians
- 21st-century American women politicians
- 21st-century African-American politicians
- Politicians from Chicago
- American women trade unionists
- Nurses from Illinois
- 21st-century members of the Illinois General Assembly
