Black History Month: Harris shares his grandfather's experience as a soldier returning from Vietnam (VIDEO)

• Black History Month

Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) tells the story of his grandfather returning home after serving in the Vietnam War. African-American soldiers were often treated as second class citizens even after putting their lives on the line to fight for our country. The prejudice these veterans endured showed that while their lives were expendable in the name of freedom, they were not equals in America.

Harris: We need to prioritize without harming our most vulnerable

• budget

SPRINGFIELD - In response to Governor Rauner’s Budget Address, Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) released the following statement:

“I agree with the governor that we need to prioritize our spending in areas like education, social services and infrastructure. What I don’t agree with is saying we want to invest more in these areas while cutting essential services.

My concern is that the governor’s plan will lead to property tax increases and will do nothing to better serve our children. I hope we can continue to look at this spending plan and get to a place where our most vulnerable populations aren’t taking devastating service cuts and our children’s education is improving.”

Harris to Rauner: Use our current stability to move forward

SPRINGFIELD - In response to Governor Rauner’s State of the State address, Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) released the following statement:

“The governor needs to build on the work done by the General Assembly last year and take advantage of our current stability to make Illinois the prosperous state he constantly describes.

South suburban residents want to see an Illinois where business booms and jobs are plentiful, and I’m committed to fighting for and delivering on that vision. We need to strengthen our education system, reform our criminal justice system, lower property taxes and provide more opportunities for business growth throughout our state.”

Local school libraries receive funds under School District Library Grant Program

• education

SPRINGFIELD - A number of south suburban school districts have been selected to receive funds through Secretary of State Jesse White’s School District Library Grant Program. The program aims to help provide more library books and materials for students attending public schools in Illinois.

The grant award amount is based on funds appropriated by the General Assembly and the school’s official enrollment as of the previous school year.

“Our children can never have enough opportunities to learn,” State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) said. “I am glad this grant program is providing support to school libraries throughout the south suburbs.”

The following west suburban schools are receiving funds: