Harris plan implementing health facility board recommendations signed into law

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will soon see some helpful changes thanks to legislation led by State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) that was signed into law on Friday.

House Bill 4517 allows the IHFSRB to work with other government agencies to improve efficiencies and ensure they have the resources they have to continue working on containing health care costs and promoting the accessibility to health facilities.

“This legislation takes recommendations from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board and implements them to provide more efficiency and better service,” Harris said. “Providing them with the proper resources creates a better health system for Illinois residents.”

Furthermore, the plan removes Certificates of Recognition from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, updates references to the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act and eliminated all language pertaining to the Center for Comprehensive Health Planning.

The Center for Comprehensive Health Planning was created in 2009, which would have cost IDPH millions of dollars, but was never implemented due to lack of funding.

The law goes into effect January 1.

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Harris votes to fund education and youth programs

• education
• budget
• Human Services

SPRINGFIELD- The Illinois Senate sent a proposal to the governor’s desk today that would ensure schools will open this fall and provides funding for youth programs. Senate Bill 2047 includes funding for youth employment and after-school programs and funding for a number of much-needed human services.  

State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) released the following statement after the vote:

“If we really care about the direction Illinois is going, we need to continue to put our children first. Education is a fundamental right, and we need to deliver the resources to give our children a bright future. We know there is still work to do, but keeping schools open and providing valuable services that offer positive experiences for our youth should always be considered a worthwhile investment.”

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Harris legislation bringing investment to Oak Forest signed into law

• Oak Forest
• TIF

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) led a measure that was signed into law today that would extend tax increment financing for the City of Oak Forest until 2037. Currently, the TIF is set to expire in 2025.

“Oak Forest is a prime example of a product of the recession. They were hit hard and are still recovering,” Harris said. “They just need a little push. That is why I sponsored this measure to help them revitalize their economy, continue their development projects and keep them going in the right direction.”

TIF districts are important for cities and towns going through economic trouble. They help attract private investment and bring new businesses to help with economic expansion.

“As a small business owner myself, I know first-hand the impact they can bring on revitalizing local economies,” Harris added. “We need to make sure economic growth and expansion continues. “
House Bill 4423 goes into effect immediately.

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Senior Health Fair

• events
• Seniors