Families of children with developmental disabilities face unique challenges, and to help address them, Julie was a founding member of the Illinois General Assembly’s Special Needs Caucus.

Recently, she passed legislation elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission into a new cabinet-level state agency. In 2027, the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship will work to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

In addition, Julie has expanded access to paid trainee programs at state agencies for persons with disabilities, and provided stronger court protections for people with intellectual disabilities who are the victims of crimes.