Senate South Suburban Corridor Members celebrate new airport, bringing jobs and revenue to the area

SPRRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to the Senate members of the South Suburbs.

“This is a touchdown for communities across the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey). “This airport will serve as an economic engine for our communities and provide local businesses with access to global markets for generations to come.”

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. The measure – spearheaded by Harris – passed on Wednesday, would require the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

"We support this project to help create many exciting new opportunities for working families in the South Suburbs for generations to come," said Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. "It will jump-start the process leading to the thousands of good-paying union construction jobs to build the airport, and create many long-term career opportunities in the direct airport operations and all of the businesses that will develop around it."

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Flossmoor Fire Department to receive more than $25,000 thanks to support from Harris

HARVEY – With the support of State Senator Napoleon Harris, the Village of Flossmoor Fire Department will receive more than $25,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“Firefighters are some of the first to respond to our neighborhood crises and it is imperative that they receive the necessary funding to ensure safety throughout our communities,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is vital that we support these dedicated professionals to defend those in need as they work tirelessly to save lives.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that face hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

The Village of Flossmoor Fire Department will receive $25,785 in state funding to help purchase new firefighting and ambulance equipment.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments and stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protections districts and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years prior to applying.

To learn more about grants and loans offered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, click here.

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Harris measure to implement diversity reports to improve small businesses

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris is leading a measure to require insurance companies to submit diversity reports.

“Small businesses should have the support they need to accurately reflect the diversity of the state,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “There are many veteran-, minority-, and women-owned businesses throughout Illinois and we must ensure they are fairly and accurately represented.”

Senate Bill 2381 requires licensed or accredited insurance companies within the state to submit a diversity program report annually. This report would provide insight to how many companies accept or recognize minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned businesses. The diversity report would help determine ways to improve and better serve various groups of businesses.

“As someone with experience in the insurance industry, I know how necessary it is to prop up small and diverse businesses with the resources needed to thrive in this economy and dismantle disparities,” said Harris. “I am committed to making an effort to support the research to do just that.”

Senate Bill 2381 passed the Senate Insurance Committee last Wednesday and will head to the floor for further deliberation.

Harris hopeful by workforce development investments in proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) released the following statement after hearing the governor’s proposal for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget:

“Illinois has worked diligently for years to revitalize our communities – which includes welcoming businesses from other states that will in turn spur job creation and economic growth. Investing in small businesses uplifts entrepreneurs and funnels funding back into our communities.”

“Ensuring that equitable opportunities are in place for minority owned businesses is necessary for the revitalization of underserved communities. As a small business owner I understand the significant value we add to society by being a local resource to our neighboring residents and how difficult it can be to recover from the residual effects of the pandemic. These proposals will not only increase employment, but will enable us to further support and build the backbone of our economy.”

“I am hopeful with the job creation and workforce development plans outlined by the governor, and look forward to ongoing negotiations in the months to come.”