HARVEY – Restaurants and hotels in the 15^th District are set to receive more than $850,000 in grants, thanks to the support of State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

“Our businesses and hotels drive our local economy,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “We are all still in the process of recovering from the pandemic. The Back to Business grant program is an effective way for us to uplift and support our business community as they rebuild and recover.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest-hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

A total of $851,713 has been awarded to 23 businesses in Harris’ district that are part of the restaurant and hotel industry.

“As a business owner, I can empathize with the challenges our community is still struggling with,” said Harris. “My hope is this grant program will assist businesses and help ensure they are on a path toward success.”

For more information about B2B grants, visit DCEO’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. Where many lawmakers have failed – Harris (D-Harvey) fought and held the state accountable to fulfill its promises to the South Suburbs by requiring the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

“This is a touchdown for communities across the South Suburbs,” Harris said. “This airport will serve as an economic engine for our communities and provide local businesses with access to global markets for generations to come.”

The South Suburban Airport Act, which became law more than a decade ago, established that the state may develop a prequalification process. Since its enactment, no process has been established until Harris’ advocacy and leadership in getting this venture into the end zone.

HARVEY – The 15th State Senate District will soon see more than $38.7 million in road, highway and bridge improvements thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris, III’s advocacy.

“Safe and reliable roads lead to great economic, education and social opportunities,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “We need to continue to look for ways to create jobs, increase the efficiency of our roadways and accessibility throughout our communities.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, State Senate District 15, which Harris represents, will receive funding for infrastructure projects totaling more than $349 million over the next six years.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Insurance are required to take extra precautions to keep residents’ sensitive information safe, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

“No organization or business is immune to cyber threats,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It’s important that the state’s insurance companies take the necessary steps to protect resident’s private information.”

House Bill 2130 institutes requirements and procedures for insurance companies to implement security programs and create response plans. The measure, known as the Insurance Data Security Law, also requires the insurers to submit a written certificate of compliance and notify the Illinois Department of Insurance if any cybersecurity events occur.

Harris spearheaded this measure after news of several major data breaches involving large insurers. During these breaches, potentially sensitive personal information of millions of insurance consumers were compromised.