Harris: Resources are available to minority-owned businesses

CHICAGO – State Senator Napoleon Harvey, III (D-Harvey) is encouraging local businesses to attend free virtual workshops provided by the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program to strengthen their skills and participate in federally and state funded highway, transit, and airport contracts. 

“Businesses run by minorities and other disadvantaged groups deserve as much opportunity as their counterparts to thrive in our community,” Harris said. “These businesses are part of the larger economic web that allows the district I represent to enjoy the pleasures of a diversified stream of commerce.” 

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Harris congratulates local Back to Business grant recipients

HARVEY – With many businesses struggling with reopening due to the the pandemic, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) is congratulating several local businesses that were awarded grants from the latest round of the Back to Business program.

“Our local businesses deserve to have support to keep their doors open,” Harris said. “I am proud to see these businesses obtain this funding and get some relief as our state does its part in moving back to normal.”

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Harris announces Thornton Public Library District to receive mentoring grant

THORNTON – Hoping that local students will take advantage of resources at their local library, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III announced the Thornton Public Library District is set to receive $14,000 from the Project Next Generation grant.

“Keeping our students in learning atmospheres and not on the streets will help change the trajectory of their lives,” Harris said. “I strongly support supplying our local libraries with funding to create new resources that engage our students.”

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Harris fights for disparity study in energy legislation

SPRINGFIELD – As an advocate for inclusion and access for Black and Brown families in Illinois, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released a statement applauding new equity initiatives included in Illinois’ latest energy policy plan, including the requirement for a new disparity study to examine racial discrimination in the clean energy industry:
"As we invest in clean, renewable energy, we must ensure every resident has access to the jobs and programs this legislation will create. We already require other industries to conduct disparity studies—the energy and solar industries should be no different. Also, to increase transparency I intend to sponsor future legislation that would require every energy company to submit an annual report of the businesses they are working with to the Illinois Commerce Commission.

"Every business in Illinois must do their part to increase access to equitable jobs and further our goal of creating a more inclusive Illinois. We are moving toward a cleaner economy. That means new opportunities, new jobs and new lives, which should benefit everyone regardless of race or sex.”