Welcome To Senator Napoleon B. Harris III's Legislative Website

May 2015 Newsletter

• minority business
• Small Business
• newsletter

[Date missing in original]

Dear Friends,

As we head into the final weeks of this legislative session, we have much to do in a short amount of time. We are facing a very tough challenge as we continue with budget negotiations for 2016. In the coming weeks it will be critical to continue to push forward and work in a bipartisan fashion to address Illinois’ most pressing issues.

Nonetheless, I have continued in my efforts to work hard and advocate for a more equitable business climate. Please read on to hear about what I am doing to make this happen.

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Continuing the fight for small and minority-owned business

I have spent much of this session fighting for small businesses and minority owned businesses. I have continued my efforts to hold Minority Business Summits throughout the state, along with small business round table discussions at my district office.

These meetings have provided insight concerning important legislation to increase opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses.

I have sponsored a measure to increase opportunities for these businesses to win state construction contracts, aiming for a more equitable business climate.

I am also working on legislation requiring state agencies to hold pre-bid conferences in the actual project area, making access easier for local businesses.

Additionally, I am working on creating an Equal Economic Opportunity Task Force to study barriers to economic development and improve opportunities in underserved communities.

These efforts are intended to help local businesses thrive and strengthen economic development in struggling communities.

Stay tuned and stay informed

Please be on the lookout for announcements of future events and legislative updates. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

As always, please feel free to contact me if I can ever be of assistance. It is an honor to serve as your senator.

Thank you for your generous time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Senator Napoleon Harris, III
15th District – Illinois

Springfield Office

M122 Capitol Building • Springfield, IL 62706

217-782-8066 (Phone) • 217-782-2115 (Fax)

www.SenateDem.Ilga.gov

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Senator Harris speaks with Northwestern students

• Northwestern University
• Government Day

Last week Northwestern University invited me to be part of their NU in Government Day. I had the chance to speak with students about my role as a State Senator and what led me to pursue a career in public service.

As a graduate of Northwestern, I can attest to the great programs and support the university has to offer. My time spent there played an influential role in my decision to pursue public service.

I was honored to be invited to speak with these bright and engaged students. These students have very promising futures ahead of them.

Senator Harris working to improve minority business contracts

• minority business
• SB275
• SB276

Springfield, IL – Legislation sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) that would raise the state's contract goal for minority and women-owned businesses from 10 percent to 20 percent passed out of committee today.  

Senate Bill 275 increases opportunity for minority and women owned businesses to win state construction contracts. It would require building construction contracts in excess of $250,000 be unbundled or subject to separate and independent bidding processes for each of the five required subdivisions of work. For instance, it would separate plumbing from general contract work.

Read more …

Harris joins bipartisan effort to restore funding to social services

• budget
• social services
• SB274

Springfield, IL –Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), which proposes a plan to undo the cuts to social services recently enacted by Gov. Rauner., passed the Senate today.

“This legislation is a product of a bipartisan effort to ensure services to the most vulnerable remain funded,” Harris said. “This plan uses surplus funds normally reserved for special interests, to restore funding for autism, epilepsy and substance abuse prevention. These cuts affect real people, and we must continue a bipartisan effort to ensure these programs remain funded.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 274, now goes to the house for consideration.