SPRINGFIELD- Small businesses may soon have better opportunities at acquiring and maintaining contracts with the Illinois Department of Transportation, and more young people could soon find employment thanks to two proposals recently approved in committee.

“Both of these measures respond to the concerns of a number of people throughout the state,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey). “Contractors, especially smaller firms, need more opportunity to grow in our state. Also, young people, especially those in low-income communities, want to start building their futures beginning with a job.”

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD- Parents seeking to appeal a school board for decisions of student residency could soon have an avenue to do so under a plan approved in committee Tuesday.

The plan, which passed the Senate Education Committee, would provide a due process for a student enrolled in a district who is determined to be a nonresident by a school district.

“Not many parents can afford to take residency issues to an appeals court,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey). “This legislation creates an easier, costless process for families who deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

Read more ...