SPRINGFIELD- Small businesses may soon have better opportunities at acquiring and maintaining contracts with the Illinois Department of Transportation, thanks to a proposal the legislators approved Thursday.

House Bill 4477, which passed the Senate 56-0, requires contracts using the services of a subcontractor to include terms for making advanced payments to the subcontractor for preliminary spending purposes, such as purchasing tools and machinery for a project.

“The goal is to promote small business participation in state contracts,” State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) said. “Subcontractors are often in a position where they’re waiting far too long for a payment. That’s unacceptable.”

Small contracting firms struggle to take on subcontracts due to payment delays from prime contractors. Mobilization payments to a subcontractor would be based on the total value of the subcontract on a tiered scale.

The legislation was approved in both chambers and will head to the governor.

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SPRINGFIELD- Small businesses may soon have better opportunities at acquiring and maintaining contracts with the Illinois Department of Transportation, and more young people could soon find employment thanks to two proposals recently approved in committee.

“Both of these measures respond to the concerns of a number of people throughout the state,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey). “Contractors, especially smaller firms, need more opportunity to grow in our state. Also, young people, especially those in low-income communities, want to start building their futures beginning with a job.”

SPRINGFIELD- Parents seeking to appeal a school board for decisions of student residency could soon have an avenue to do so under a plan approved in committee Tuesday.

The plan, which passed the Senate Education Committee, would provide a due process for a student enrolled in a district who is determined to be a nonresident by a school district.

“Not many parents can afford to take residency issues to an appeals court,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey). “This legislation creates an easier, costless process for families who deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

REGISTRATION

Dolton Park District

721 Engle Street

Dolton, IL 60419

 May 7, 2016

11 am - 1pm

REGISTRATION

Riverdale Park District

13700 S. Eggleston

Riverdale, IL 60827

May 7, 2016

2 pm - 4pm

COMPETITION

Dolton/Riverdale Park

13850 Lincoln

Dolton, IL 60419

May 14, 2016

10 am Check-In

Pitch, Hit & Run is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball.  This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball/softball skills.  Boys and girls are divided into four age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at Major League ballparks and the National Finals at the 2016 MLB All-Star Game.