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. 

 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.”

SPRINGFIELD – As schools across the south suburbs wrap up the school year, State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) supported a $7 billion state education funding plan that would allow schools to open on time for the next school year unless Gov. Bruce Rauner rejects the plan.

“We cannot play around when it comes to education funding,” said Harris. “Our future starts in our schools, and making sure they receive the funding they need to keep their doors open will remain my priority. I hope the governor will make this a priority too, and not hold these funds hostage while we debate the rest of this budget.”

This year’s education spending plan represents a $295 million dollar increase of direct aid to schools: a $207 million dollar increase to per-student funding as well as an $85 million increase to school districts with high poverty and fewer available local resources.

The Senate approved this increase Friday, which had been previously approved by the House. It requires the governor’s approval before local district will receive funding for the next school year.

According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, this award honors state and federal legislators who understand the importance of Illinois Agriculture. Recipients of this award recognize the far-reaching benefits of Illinois’ agricultural products and the importance farmers play in providing quality food, fiber and fuel for our State, Nation and World.

Senator Harris said, “It's an honor and privilege to be recognized as a proud supporter of one of the largest industries of our economy and to support working class families in Illinois.  Maintaining the America tradition of the family farms benefits the community and provides jobs which enhances the local economy.  When we buy local, we allow local farmers to receive a profit on the crops they produce, which will reduce the likelihood of losing more family farms to developers.”