Harris votes to fund social service programs and higher education

• budget
• MAP
• CSU
• Human Services

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) voted for legislation that would fund much needed social service programs and higher education. Senate Bill 2059 provides funding for programs and services that are not currently receiving funding from court orders or consent decrees.

“We’ve left a lot of people in need without support and threatened the education of our young people for far too long,” Harris said. “I was sent to Springfield to help improve our communities. We need to stop the partisan politics and pass a budget to keep our communities from deteriorating.”

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Campus Demonstration Act passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) introduced legislation that protects college students’ freedom of speech and would prohibit colleges from revoking athletic and academic scholarships as a result of protesting.

Senate Bill 2279 came about after Republican lawmakers in Missouri filed legislation intended to punish African American football players who demanded the resignation of the head of the university after inaction against racism on campus.

“My athletic scholarship is the reason I was able to get a degree,” said Harris, a former Northwestern University football player. “Putting students in a situation where they have to choose between justice and a scholarship they earned is simply unacceptable.”

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Harris isn’t giving up on students, MAP grant funding

• MAP
• Higher Education

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) voted to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2043, legislation that would release Monetary Award Program funding to universities throughout the state.  Harris reacted to the vote with the following statement.

“I refuse to give up on students. Education takes young people out of poverty and allows them to become strong contributors to our economy. Chicago State is a priority for many people in my district, but the lack of funding is hurting families across the state.

There are still students waiting for money promised to them almost a year ago. That’s unacceptable. The governor’s administration made these promises and they need to deliver. Together we must stand up and fight back. I urge my colleagues in the House to override the governor’s veto as well. The future of our youth is depending on it.”

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Harris: MAP funding veto is embarrasing

SPRINGFIELD – Statement from State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) regarding Governor Rauner’s veto of SB2043, legislation that gave the governor the spending authority to honor his administration’s commitments to the student financial aid program known as the Monetary Award Program.

“It’s embarrassing that we have to fight our governor to get funding for a program that helps put poor students through school. The governor is out of touch with reality. Students in need, especially those at Chicago State, need this program to escape poverty, violence and trouble. It’s time Governor Rauner steps away from his political agenda and stops forcing people to suffer. It’s reckless.”