SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) is lead sponsor of legislation that would require every community college and public university to offer a course studying the events of Black History.

“We hear a lot of misinformation these days about the history of African Americans on television, social media and the internet in general,” Harris said. “The only way to combat that ignorance is to ensure that the young people of our state have access to and take time to learn about the contributions and struggles of Black people throughout American history.”

Read more ...

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced the grant awards for the FY18 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants totaling $15.4 million to 630 public libraries serving almost 12 million patrons.  

In the 15th District, which is represented by Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey), 12 libraries were awarded the Illinois Public Library Per Capita Award and one was awarded the Equalization Aid Grant.

The libraries in the district are listed below:

Illinois Public Library Per Capita Award

Equalization Aid Grants

Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries, which allows resources for expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology.

Equalization Aid Grants help qualifying public libraries with a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

For more information on Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Grants and how to apply: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/plpc_equalization.html

On May 4, 2018, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office will conduct its 2016 Annual Tax Sale. If property owners have not paid their unpaid taxes within 2.5 years, their property taxes can be purchased by private buyers.

In the 15th district, there are 22,724 properties that have past due taxes. Please review the list in the Excel spreadsheet to see if you have delinquent property or if your neighbor has delinquent property.  When reviewing the list, make sure that the Cook County Treasurer has the correct mailing address for the property listed.
 
Below are three links that will be helpful in protecting the property in the 15th district.
 
1.   How To Avoid The May 4, 2018 Tax Sale
2.   Unpaid Property Taxes In The 15th District
3.   How To Search The Excel Spreadsheet By Property Address

Note:  In order to search in the Excel spreadsheet, the spreadsheet must be downloaded.  You will not be able to search if you are viewing the spreadsheet online.
 

CHICAGO – Illinois casinos could soon offer in-person or online betting on professional, amateur or collegiate sports under a measure spearheaded by State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey).

Senate Bill 3432 can only go into effect if the federal sports wagering ban is lifted, and it would require a $10,000 licensing fee and a $5,000 license renewal fee for interactive sports wagering platforms. It also outlines consumer protections and integrity requirements for sports wagering operators, including record-keeping and annual reporting to the Gaming Board.

“Our state continues to struggle financially, and we have an opportunity to gain much-needed revenue for education, human services and infrastructure should the federal sports wagering ban be struck down,” Harris, a former NFL linebacker, said. “We know that sports fans enjoy betting, and the state should offer a secure and legal way to do so.”

Read more ...