SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) released the following statement regarding Gov. JB Pritzker State of the State and budget address Wednesday:

“I received many calls from families about their unemployment difficulties throughout this pandemic. I can say that I strongly support the governor’s decision to invest more funding in call center workers, IT resources, and fraud analysis at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“In addition, as a person who supports entrepreneurship, the proposal will increase funding to continue to support our small businesses through the Cannabis Social Equity Local Program. Disadvantaged communities will also continue to receive capital grant funding to grow economic development opportunities through the Shovel Ready Sites Program and opportunity zone investments.

DOLTON- State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement on theNFL using raceas a category to judge whether ex-players should be paid for head injury claims Wednesday.

"It's sickening that the National Football League uses race to determine concussion settlements. Black players who sustained injuries while playing deserve the same support as white players. This is further proof the NFL does not care about players' livelihoods after their football career is finished – but rather only when they can help the league.

“Nearly 70% of the league’s players are Black, yet a system has been created that holds Black players and white players to different standards.In other professions, distinctions based on race rise to the level of constitutional violations, so whyis it ok for the NFL to put players in different groups based on race?

"The NFL needs to be advised on equality, and these players continue to advocate for long-term benefits after retirement. If current players do not get on top of this now, it will be a continuous cycle abused by the NFL.”

DOLTON - As winter weather continues to reach freezing temperatures, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) reminds homeowners to check their home heating and alarm devices to make sure they are still functioning properly. 

“A proper home inspection is critical in ensuring your home is equipped with the quality heating it needs to fight off the coldness of our winter season,” Harris said. “However, it is also important to check your furnace, furnace filter and smoke detectors to ensure your family is safe from potential fires.” 

DOLTON – As small businesses continue to suffer from the national health crisis, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) is honored to announces that a combined 86 local businesses were awarded over a million dollars during the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program. 

“Small businesses play an important role in supporting their local communities but have had a time tough time staying relevant amongst this pandemic,” Harris said. “Many of these businesses have little cash on hand or resources to buffer even with a minor financial infraction, so it’s vital that we provide them with the financial assistance to continue to bolster our local economies.”