Harris supports $759,858 redevelopment investment at Carver Park Fieldhouse

RIVERDALE — State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) announced the Carver Park Fieldhouse will undergo a $759,858 Rebuild Illinois renovation project to provide expanded athletic and recreational facilities, space for incubators and job skills training to the community.

“The rehabilitation of Carver Park Fieldhouse will not only provide a safe space for athletics but will lead the way to expanding job training and skills development for businesses and residents throughout our community,” Harris said. “This and other Shovel Ready grants will make the highest and best use of our statewide capital plan by improving infrastructure to meet the needs of community members today while setting the stage for broader economic development in the future.”

Read more …

Harris supports more funding to Illinois Department of Employment Security

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) released the following statement regarding Gov. JB Pritzker State of the State and budget address Wednesday:

“I received many calls from families about their unemployment difficulties throughout this pandemic. I can say that I strongly support the governor’s decision to invest more funding in call center workers, IT resources, and fraud analysis at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“In addition, as a person who supports entrepreneurship, the proposal will increase funding to continue to support our small businesses through the Cannabis Social Equity Local Program. Disadvantaged communities will also continue to receive capital grant funding to grow economic development opportunities through the Shovel Ready Sites Program and opportunity zone investments.

Read more …

Grant Writing Class

State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) will be arranging for one person in his district to take a two-day grant writing workshop for free. If you would like to be selected to take the class free of charge, follow the instructions here: 2.10.21_Grant_Writing_Classes.pdf

Harris advocates for ex NFL Black players benefits

DOLTON- State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement on theNFL using raceas a category to judge whether ex-players should be paid for head injury claims Wednesday.

"It's sickening that the National Football League uses race to determine concussion settlements. Black players who sustained injuries while playing deserve the same support as white players. This is further proof the NFL does not care about players' livelihoods after their football career is finished – but rather only when they can help the league.

“Nearly 70% of the league’s players are Black, yet a system has been created that holds Black players and white players to different standards.In other professions, distinctions based on race rise to the level of constitutional violations, so whyis it ok for the NFL to put players in different groups based on race?

"The NFL needs to be advised on equality, and these players continue to advocate for long-term benefits after retirement. If current players do not get on top of this now, it will be a continuous cycle abused by the NFL.”