The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has continually played a role in the development of our future leaders. Whether it be the scholarships it gives to students to further their education, or an opportunity to teach middle-schoolers about the function of state government – the ILBCF has been in the forefront. In an effort to further that mission, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation’s Council on Urban Affairs is soliciting applications for its first class of research fellows. The fellowship will allow college, graduate or law students an opportunity to advance a legislative proposal they develop.

Below are several links with additional information:

ilbcf-fellowship-application
illinois-legislative-black-caucus-foundation-fellowship-program
Send all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) announced Wednesday his intent to file legislation that will allow Illinois citizens to recall elected officials statewide.

“The purpose of this legislation is transparency and accountability,” said Harris. “We must hold our elected officials to a higher standard. If people decide they have lost trust in their elected officials, they should have the power to recall them.”

With the recent ill handling of the Laquan McDonald case and public outrage toward Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, Harris said he was disturbed by the way things unfolded.

More low-income families will now be eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) that went into effect on January 1.

Senate Bill 1847 increases the SNAP income limit from 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to 165 percent of FPL. The new limit allows struggling families with slightly higher income than the previous limit to qualify. The new law could allow 40,000 previously ineligible families to receive SNAP benefits.

HARVEY – Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) welcomed news that the US. Attorney General will investigate issues of force and accountability within the Chicago Police Department. Harris has urged federal officials to broaden the scope by extending the investigation to the Homan Square detention facility.

Various media outlets have reported these practices as well as one confirmed death within the Homan Facility. Earlier this year CPD confirmed that no cameras or fingerprinting resources are equipped within the facility. CPD has used this facility as "an interrogation site" dating back 15 years.