Senator Harris continues working to improve economic conditions for local business

• Economy
• Small Business
• Equal Opportunity Task Force
• HB3840

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) creating an Equal Opportunity Task Force was signed into law on Tuesday.

This legislation creates a task force to examine barriers to economic opportunities in economically depressed communities, issues discouraging local investment, community concerns, current economic conditions and establishes comprehensive economic development policy for businesses of all size.

“I am thrilled to see this legislation become law. This marks an important step forward in creating successful economic development in communities that are facing real economic trouble,” said Harris. “This task force will create the path to thriving local businesses, economic development, and allow the people in our communities to have the opportunity to start businesses.”

The task force will perform research on the stated areas and will be required to prepare a report summarizing the findings of their examinations. Recommendations will be provided as to whether further legislation is needed to address the problems identified by the task force.

The Legislation, House Bill 3840, and was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner. 

The state of minority business: How can we expand minority businesses?

• minority business

Throughout the last few months I have been working with other Illinois lawmakers and various state agencies to hold Minority Business Summits throughout the state. The purpose of these meetings is to inform minority business owners about programs and opportunities offered by the state. These events have been held in an effort to create a space for open dialogue about issues minority businesses face and how we can foster an environment that is more welcoming for the expansion of minority owned businesses in Illinois.

These events have been a great success and have given us great insight on the kinds of legislation needed to foster growth for minority owned businesses throughout the state. Below is some information on the legislation I, and other Illinois lawmakers, have been working on.

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Senator Harris works to save funding for the most vulnerable

 SPRINGFIELD, IL – In regards to the Illinois State Senate passing appropriations to maintain funding to social services that provides critical services for the most vulnerable populations, Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Flossmoor) said the following:

“Today we are taking action to protect senior citizens, those with developmental disabilities and other vulnerable populations. These services are critical to helping our communities. This will allow essential services to stay in place for another month while we continue to work on a budget for 2016. Now is the time to stand up for the people in our communities. We must work together and make sure our communities are stable and people have access to the core services they need.

This is a step in the right direction to solve our funding issues. However, hopefully in the upcoming weeks the governor can sit with leaders on both side of the isle and come up with a long-term solution.”

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