SPRINGFIELD – To encourage diversity in the transportation industry, State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) is sponsoring legislation that urges the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to submit procurement goals for female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and small business enterprises.

“No industry is excluded from diversification,” Harris said. “These contracts can give a big boost to small and minority-owned businesses. When we ask railroad companies to set goals for diversity and inclusion, we are pushing them to help make that progress happen.”

Currently, the Railroad Supplier Diversity Act allows each Class I railroad company to submit an annual report containing procurement goals and actual spending for female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and small business enterprises to the Illinois Commerce commission.

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HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) recently announced that several local school districts will receive a state grant to lower property taxes for households in the area.

“I am happy to announce several school districts in the South Suburbs will receive property tax relief,” Harris said. “I understand there are more communities that can benefit from this grant and that’s why I hope more schools take advantage of the funding opportunity.”

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SPRINGFIELD – During Wednesday’s annual State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker said his top priorities this upcoming legislative session were to provide property tax relief to residents, early childhood education, and making college affordable, which are also all priorities of State Senator Napoleon Harris.

Harris is the chief co-chair of the Property Tax Task Force, which is exploring potential solutions into reducing Illinois’ high property tax rates and will make recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly.

“Year after year, Illinoisans see a larger and larger share of their incomes eaten up by property taxes,” Harris (D-Harvey) said. “This is huge burden for our residents and I am glad the governor is aware that something needs to change if we want our residents to continue to live in Illinois.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Following the election of a new Senate President, Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) offered the following statement:

“I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to Senator Harmon for becoming the next Senate President. Because of his hard work and passion for perfection, he is perfect for the job,” Harris said.

Lawmakers will return to Springfield on Jan. 28 for the beginning of the spring legislative session.