
March 2, 2015
Dear Friends,
I am reaching out to you today to discuss what has been going on the last few weeks, along with some of my past legislative accomplishments and what I plan to do as we move forward.
This spring session is likely to be both eventful and exciting. We have heard a State of the State Address from the governor, which outlined some important issues while offering few solutions. Additionally, we heard a budget address rampant with cuts to important social service programs in the state. I understand the governor has a tough task with passing a balanced budget. I also applaud the governor in his efforts to increase African American and minority jobs, but his budget plan is not a solution to the issues we face.
Now more than ever, it will be important to work together in a bipartisan fashion to address the deepest and most pressing issues our state faces. It is my intent to make sure we keep Illinois on track, and ensure our communities have the resources they need to thrive.
Over the past two years my general focus has been improving neighborhoods, bringing jobs to the district and addressing issues of public safety. I have fought hard for the creation of a violent crimes task force in an effort to reduce the level of violence throughout our communities.
I have been a strong advocate for schools and education. Last year I supported a proposal that would have changed how Illinois distributes its education funds. The amount of state dollars going to districts would have depended on the number of low-income students, English language learners and special education students. I intend to support a similar plan this year.
Additionally, I have been a strong advocate for the Urban Flooding Awareness Act, which will help us figure out how to prevent flooding in our communities. My other efforts included legislation protecting seniors from physical abuse in nursing homes (House Bill 4584), and ensuring beverages are served responsibly (HB5926).
I believe in our community, and I will continue to fight for legislation that will benefit the 15th district and the State of Illinois.
Going forward into this legislative session I will work hard to continue my efforts to improve the job market, education and the small business climate at home. I will work with my colleagues in the Senate, and across party lines to resolve our state’s most pressing issues.
This year I have the honor and privilege of serving as the Vice Chair of the Insurance Committee. My other committees include Transportation, Public Health, and Commerce and Economic Development. These positions will allow me to further advocate for policy and legislation important to the district and Illinois.
I am planning some exciting upcoming events such as district office open houses and roundtable discussions. Please be on the lookout for announcements of these events. I encourage you to visit my website for information on events, news and opportunities. Additionally, you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.
As always, please feel free to contact me if I can ever be of assistance to you. It is an honor to serve as senator of the 15th District.
Thank you for your generous time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Senator Napoleon Harris, III
15th District – Illinois
Springfield Office
M122 Capitol Building • Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-8066 (Phone) • 217-782-2115 (Fax)
This past October Senator Harris attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Canadian National (CN) Railway Company’s U.S. employee training facility in Homewood, Illinois. The state of the art facility is one of two centers being built as part of a comprehensive, company-wide CN initiative designed to revitalize job training for existing and new employees.
The facility is intended to give students new skills and hands-on training for all key railway jobs. The company is looking to hire 3000 employees across their North American network this year. This suburban Chicago facility is sure to bring good things to the 15th district.
On Monday, Governor Rauner signed an executive order requiring labor unions and companies that do business with the state to report on how many minorities and veterans participate in apprenticeship and training programs.
State Senator Emil Jones III, Chairman of the Senate Black Caucus, had this to say:
“Governor Rauner’s executive order to review minority contracting statistics shows his willingness to tackle tough issues facing diverse communities,” Senator Jones said. “For years, members of the Black Caucus have created laws aimed at leveling the playing field for minority contractors.
“It looks as if Governor Rauner is willing to listen to our concerns and work toward establishing tangible results.”
The Senate Black Caucus has been instrumental in moving legislation forward to increase business opportunities for minority contractors and views this executive order as a step in the right direction.
State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D –Dixmoor) recently hosted a Minority Contractors Business Summit to learn what issues minority businesses face, in hopes of finding legislative answers.
“Members of the minority business community voiced their opinions about challenges they experience when bidding on state work,” Senator Harris said. “This legislative session, the Black Caucus and I will work together to pass measures to increase opportunities for minority businesses who contract work from the state.”
In the coming weeks, the Senate Black Caucus will host a press conference unveiling their 2015 legislative agenda.
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