Committee hears Harris’ sports wagering legislation

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.”

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Furnace repair assistance for low-income residents

Legislation to begin debate on Cook County’s unfair drinking water rates

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced this week in the Illinois Senate and House will begin the discussion on why some black suburban communities are paying too much for drinking water as compared to the City of Chicago and some wealthier non-black towns.

Companion bills (SB2874 and HB4744) were introduced by Stat Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), who represents Harvey and Ford Heights, and Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago), who represents several suburban towns. Harvey, Ford Heights and Maywood do not have direct access to Lake Michigan water and get their water from other communities. Their residents pay some of the highest rates in Cook County, Harris and Ford said.

Ford Heights Mayor Annie Coulter worked with the lawmakers on the bills.

“These proposals will begin the discussion of making Cook County's drinking water rates more equitable,” Senator Harris said. “It's not fair that the place that you are born – whether it’s Harvey, Ford Heights, Highland Park or Chicago – determines what your family pays for water. It should be a right of all people to have equal, reasonably-priced access to drinking water.”

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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.