Earlier this summer, I hosted a minority small business forum where representatives of the minority-owned business community, legislative leaders and representatives from the state government all came together to discuss government programs available to small business owners looking for a pathway to success in Illinois. The discussion focused on topics ranging from the obstacles small businesses face when seeking government contracts to how we can create more jobs for a wider range of workers, representing all backgrounds.

I believe that the overall success of the forum was showcased in the emphatic tone taken by several of the participants when calling for more job opportunities and a better, balanced business environment in Illinois.

I echo this sentiment and will be working hard to implement the ideas and suggestions put forth in this forum in the upcoming legislative year.

Financial scams are a common problem today. One of the most notorious threats can be predatory lenders and servicers. Learning how to avoid financial predators and pitfalls is your best defense against financial fraud, and learning how to navigate the foreclosure process can be crucial to family financial security.

I would like to invite you to join me for my Fraud and Foreclosure Workshop on April 23 at the Gloria Taylor Banquet Hall located at 14821 Broadway Ave in Harvey. Let’s take this time to learn how to better protect our homes and safely navigate the foreclosure process.

A representative from the attorney general’s office and I will be hosting this event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 23 providing presentations on these two critical issues affecting Americans today.

I expect this event to be a valuable opportunity for engaged citizens to learn about innovative ways to safeguard themselves from threats to their finances and homes. And if you are going through a foreclosure right now, we will work with you on the best ways to get through the process.

Space is limited, and we want to make sure everyone seeking information or help has an opportunity to receive it. To RSVP, contact my district office at 708-893-0552.

State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) held office hours and hosted an I-Cash event in his district office earlier this month.

About 60 constituents attended, many taking the opportunity to sit down with Senator Harris and ask questions or discuss problems they may be having.

"It was a good experience to see friends and meet people I hadn't met yet," Harris said. "It is important for me to know what constituents are concerned about so that I can most effectively represent them in Springfield."

On February 17, Senator Harris visited Spaulding School located at 14811 S. Turner in Midlothian. Senator Harris was the ‘Mystery Reader’ for Ms. Messina’s second grade class.

The students in the class had no idea who would be coming to the school to be the ‘Mystery Reader’. They are given clues throughout the week to guess who will be the ‘Mystery Reader’, but do not know if their guess is correct until the ‘Mystery Reader’ arrives. 

The teacher selected the book "Football Colors" for the Senator to read to the class. The Senator and the students had a great time, and the students were treated to pizza from Beggar’s Pizza later in the week.