Harris: New General Assembly brings more opportunity

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate began a new session today with the inauguration of the 101st General Assembly.

State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) is looking forward to continuing his work on issues that affect south suburban communities.

“We have a lot of opportunity to work on issues that were put on the backburner during the last administration,” Harris said. “I’m looking forward to bringing the concerns of the South Suburbs to the forefront and helping our communities.”

Harris was elected to his first term in 2012 and represents the 15th Senate District in part of Chicago and the South Suburbs.

Harris leads reversal of Midlothian Park District Veto

SPRINGFIELD – Midlothian residents will enjoy expanded programs from the Midlothian Park District after state lawmakers reversed the governor’s veto of a measure sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris III.

Harris (D-Harvey) sponsored a plan to allow the Midlothian Park District to proceed with a $13 million bond issue – approved by local voters in March – to pay for an addition to a recreation center built in 1970 and to expand programs.

“The community will benefit from a long-overdue expansion of the districts rec center, and students will have after school and summer programs to keep them out of harm’s way,” Harris said. “Local residents want this, they voted for it, and the governor should not stand in their way.”

Senate Bill 2589 exempts the park district from a state-mandated cap on borrowing. Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the measure in August.

The Senate voted 42-0 to override the veto on Wednesday.

Harris overrides Rauner veto denying safe, affordable drinking water to poor suburbs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) led a successful effort this week to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a bill to help economically disadvantaged communities in Cook County shore up their water infrastructure.

“Smaller Cook County suburbs lack the funding to make necessary repairs to their infrastructure and have a small chance of qualifying for state loan programs,” Harris said. “We now have a way for towns like Harvey and Ford Heights to access the capital funds needed to provide residents with safe drinking water.”

In October 2017 the Chicago Tribune found Ford Heights residents pay nearly six times more for the same water usage as residents of the wealthy, predominantly white town of Highland Park, and four times more for water than people living in Chicago. Similar problems exist in Harvey and Maywood.

Eight towns surveyed by the Tribune — Hometown, East Hazel Crest, Posen, Burnham, Riverdale, Flossmoor, Lyons and Maywood — lost more than 30 percent of their water. Of the 10 towns with the highest water rates, 50 percent have majority black populations.
The legislation would set up a drinking water grant program under the Illinois EPA to fix aging water pipes in Harvey, Ford Heights, Maywood and other towns.

The legislation goes into effect immediately.

Dolton Park District receives payment for fieldhouse renovation

• Dolton Park District

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) announced this week the Dolton Park District has received a payment to continue a renovation project that began last October on their main field house.

The Dolton Park District will receive the $2 million grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources under the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Grant Program.

“This project will create a space for the park district and the community to use for a number of purposes and I am excited to see it continue,” Harris said. “This facility will serve as a community meeting place for outdoor activities and special occasions.”

Comptroller Suzanna Mendoza recently paid out $523,862 of the total grant money to the Dolton Park District, allowing the project to continue as planned.

The park district’s plans for expansion and renovation include:

• A multipurpose room that seats more than 200
• An outdoor patio for leisure activities
• Meeting space and prep kitchen
• Stage, dance floor and wedding accommodations