Economic development continues to lift Illinois out of fiscal uncertainty. Thursday, legislation supported by State Senator Napoleon Harris was signed by Governor Quinn. The measure includes several economic development projects aimed at increasing business opportunities throughout Illinois. The new law also boasts developments to benefit residents in the 15th Legislative district, namely construction projects at McCormick Place, a Peotone airport and incentives for small businesses.

“These projects represent opportunities to foster a business-friendly environment while providing good paying jobs to increase revenues for local governments,” State Senator Napoleon Harris said. “This measure is an example of the types of initiatives community leaders need to bring to the General Assembly so the public and private sectors can work together to build a strong economy.”

Training for Construction Jobs -- Alderman Jason Ervin has shared the following information:
 
The New Malcolm X College & Allied Health Science Academy Community Jobs Program has designated up to 120 of the total 950 construction jobs for qualified applicants from the community.
 
The program will connect qualified individuals with training programs at City Colleges' Dawson Technical Institute to prepare them for skilled positions on the Malcolm X College project.
 
Financial assistance is available.
 
Classes Begin June 7 at
DAWSON TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
3901 S State St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 451-2020
 
PRE-REGISTER TODAY!
Please submit your Name, Phone Number, and Address to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
                 
Community Jobs Training Program Participation Criteria:
• Education: Requires training and certification from Dawson Technical Institute
• Training: Potential employees will need 8 weeks of training that include:
o Construction safety
o Flagger certification
o OSHA certification

Requirements:
• 18 yrs +
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
• Valid Driver's License or Illinois State I.D. (establishing Chicago residency)
• No outstanding debt to CCC at the time of enrollment (this agreement does not pay for any existing debt owed to CCC)

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.