Dear Friends,

As we head into the final weeks of this legislative session, we have much to do in a short amount of time. We are facing a very tough challenge as we continue with budget negotiations for 2016. In the coming weeks it will be critical to continue to push forward and work in a bipartisan fashion to address Illinois’ most pressing issues.

Nonetheless, I have continued in my efforts to work hard and advocate for a more equitable business climate. Please read on to hear about what I am doing to make this happen.

Continuing the fight for small and minority-owned business

I have spent much of this session fighting for small businesses and minority owned businesses. I have continued my efforts to hold a number of Minority Business Summits throughout the state, along with small business round table discussions at my district office.

These meetings have provided me with insight concerning important legislation to drive initiatives to increase the opportunities small businesses and minority-owned businesses have throughout the state.

With the goal to ease the burden business owners face, I have sponsored a measure to increase opportunities for these businesses to win state construction contracts. This legislation is vital for our communities because it is important to push forward and work toward a more equitable business climate.

Additionally, I am working on an important measure that would require state agencies to hold pre-bid conferences at a location in the area where the work will actually take place. This is common sense. Why should individuals who are looking for business opportunities have to drive outside of the area where the proposed business is going to take place? I am working hard to change this.

Finally, I am currently working on legislation to create an Equal Economic Opportunity Task Force. This legislation establishes a comprehensive economic development policy for businesses of all sizes, while it also creates a task force to examine barriers to economic opportunities in economically depressed communities, issues discouraging local investment, community concerns and current economic conditions.

Task forces such as these can be an important first step in creating successful economic development in communities that are facing troubles. I want to see local businesses thrive. I want to see economic development grow to new levels, and see people in our communities have the opportunity to start businesses. The first step in this process is research.

Stay tuned and stay informed

Please be on the lookout for announcements of future events, and information on legislative measures.  I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

As always, please feel free to contact me if I can ever be of assistance to you. It is an honor to serve as your senator.

Thank you for your generous time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Senator Napoleon Harris, III
15th District – Illinois