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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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.