Senator Harris speaks with Northwestern students

• Northwestern University
• Government Day

Last week Northwestern University invited me to be part of their NU in Government Day. I had the chance to speak with students about my role as a State Senator and what led me to pursue a career in public service.

As a graduate of Northwestern, I can attest to the great programs and support the university has to offer. My time spent there played an influential role in my decision to pursue public service.

I was honored to be invited to speak with these bright and engaged students. These students have very promising futures ahead of them.

Senator Harris working to improve minority business contracts

• minority business
• SB275
• SB276

Springfield, IL – Legislation sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) that would raise the state's contract goal for minority and women-owned businesses from 10 percent to 20 percent passed out of committee today.  

Senate Bill 275 increases opportunity for minority and women owned businesses to win state construction contracts. It would require building construction contracts in excess of $250,000 be unbundled or subject to separate and independent bidding processes for each of the five required subdivisions of work. For instance, it would separate plumbing from general contract work.

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Harris joins bipartisan effort to restore funding to social services

• budget
• social services
• SB274

Springfield, IL –Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), which proposes a plan to undo the cuts to social services recently enacted by Gov. Rauner., passed the Senate today.

“This legislation is a product of a bipartisan effort to ensure services to the most vulnerable remain funded,” Harris said. “This plan uses surplus funds normally reserved for special interests, to restore funding for autism, epilepsy and substance abuse prevention. These cuts affect real people, and we must continue a bipartisan effort to ensure these programs remain funded.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 274, now goes to the house for consideration. 

Senator Harris working to improve better health care to athletes

• SB785
• healthcare

Springfield, IL –Legislation sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), allowing certain out-of-state health care professionals to practice medicine in Illinois while on contract to provide care to an athletic team, passed the senate today. 

Currently there is no exemption for health care professionals in contract with athletic teams to provide care to athletic team members, coaching staff or families traveling with the athletic team in Illinois without a license to practice in the state. 

“This measure would allow for teams to travel with their health care professionals, thereby allowing individuals to receive treatment from someone who is better informed on their medical history,” Harris said. “As a former professional athlete myself, I know firsthand the importance of traveling with a qualified physician who knows my medical history. This bill allows skilled health care professionals to provide the medical attention athletes need while they travel in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 785 gives exemption to health care professionals for 10 days per sporting event with an option to extend the exemption up to 30 days.

The legislation passed the Senate with 54 – 0 and will be sent to the House.