THORNTON – Hoping that local students will take advantage of resources at their local library, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III announced the Thornton Public Library District is set to receive $14,000 from the Project Next Generation grant.

“Keeping our students in learning atmospheres and not on the streets will help change the trajectory of their lives,” Harris said. “I strongly support supplying our local libraries with funding to create new resources that engage our students.”

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois movies toward a more equitable environment, State Senator Napoleon Harris III’s (D-Harvey) effort to encourage Amtrak to submit procurement goals for female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and small business enterprises was signed into law on Friday.

“Amtrak is a billion dollar transportation corporation and should be helping lead the charge in increasing diversity in Illinois contracting,” Harris said. “Everyone should have a shot at obtaining a public contract, and all industries should be pushing for equity to ensure Illinois become the one most equitable states in our nation.”

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III hosted his annual Back to School Picnic at Thornton Township High School for families in the 15^th Senate District. 

“I had a great time at my annual Back to School Picnic,” Harris said. “To be in a position to provide youth with backpacks, haircuts, manicures, physicals, food and fun is truly a blessing. I am also thankful for all the partners, volunteers, the families who all came out to help and have fun. “

At the Back to School Picnic, backpacks and school supplies were given away. In addition, kids played on inflatables, played games, got haircuts, got sports physicals, and won prizes. 

Comcast donated a brand new laptop to for the Back to School Picnic, and lucky residents Madalynn and her mother Moriah Myles won the raffle for it at the event. ComEd also donated other resources. 

SPRINGFIELD - Insurance companies will be required to offer working families a flat-dollar copay plan for drug-related benefits because of a law sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey). 

“A fixed out-of-pocket amount will be better for those families who have smaller budgets and need consistency,” Harris said. “I strongly believe this will be beneficial for our working families in Illinois, as it will give them the option to budget their medical expenses more easily.”