State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor) celebrated as his proposal that requires schools to offer catastrophic insurance coverage for student athletes passed the Illinois House on Monday.

 Inspired by Rasul “Rocky” Clark, Harris’ proposal ensures that student athletes will not be left without coverage if they sustain injuries that leave them paralyzed while representing their schools in athletics.

“These injuries are rare, but when they do happen it’s devastating for the student and their families,” Harris said. “These students have sacrificed everything for their schools, and they deserve access to health care.”

State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor) applauded the Senate on their vote to pass a union-backed proposal for pension reform.

President Cullerton’s Senate Bill 2404 gives new employees the opportunity to choose between a cost of living adjustment and retiree health care. It is a bipartisan proposal supported by the We Are One Coalition of unions and guarantees 90% funding of the pension systems by 2045.

“Although I was unable to be there, I’m happy the Senate was able to agree on this proposal,” said Harris. “These decisions are difficult, but the state cannot afford to wait to take action. Right now more money goes into pensions than into public education, and with this fair and bi partisan proposal we can get our state back on track."

Harris did not attend today’s session because this week his wife gave birth to their third child.

SB 2404 now waits to be heard in the House of Representatives.

For details about SB 2404, visit the Senate Democrat Caucus website here.

Last week the Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence held a rally in front of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III and fellow senators Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), Gov. Pat Quinn and the Rev. Michael Pfleger all spoke to the crowd. Here are Senator Harris' remarks.

“Today was a happy day in the Illinois Senate. I’m excited we passed a measure for pension reform. It’s a good plan which saves the state money, exempts retired teachers and insures that the state makes their pension payments in the future,” said Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor).