SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) creating an Equal Opportunity Task Force was signed into law on Tuesday.

This legislation creates a task force to examine barriers to economic opportunities in economically depressed communities, issues discouraging local investment, community concerns, current economic conditions and establishes comprehensive economic development policy for businesses of all size.

“I am thrilled to see this legislation become law. This marks an important step forward in creating successful economic development in communities that are facing real economic trouble,” said Harris. “This task force will create the path to thriving local businesses, economic development, and allow the people in our communities to have the opportunity to start businesses.”

The task force will perform research on the stated areas and will be required to prepare a report summarizing the findings of their examinations. Recommendations will be provided as to whether further legislation is needed to address the problems identified by the task force.

The Legislation, House Bill 3840, and was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner.