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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris announced Wednesday he plans to pursue legislation to protect student athletes’ freedom of speech and make sure they aren’t punished academically or economically for taking a stand.

Harris’ interest in drafting Illinois protections follows news out of Missouri that Republican lawmakers want to crack down on African American football players who protested racial unrest on campus by refusing to play until the head of the university stepped down.

“I want to make sure our universities remain bastions of free speech and personal growth,” said Harris, a Harvey Democrat and former professional football player who starred at Northwestern University. “What was being discussed in Missouri is blatantly unconstitutional and treats students like they are property. I want to send a message that protects students’ rights before anyone gets any dumb ideas here.”