SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois movies toward a more equitable environment, State Senator Napoleon Harris III’s (D-Harvey) effort to encourage Amtrak to submit procurement goals for female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and small business enterprises was signed into law on Friday.

“Amtrak is a billion dollar transportation corporation and should be helping lead the charge in increasing diversity in Illinois contracting,” Harris said. “Everyone should have a shot at obtaining a public contract, and all industries should be pushing for equity to ensure Illinois become the one most equitable states in our nation.”

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III hosted his annual Back to School Picnic at Thornton Township High School for families in the 15^th Senate District. 

“I had a great time at my annual Back to School Picnic,” Harris said. “To be in a position to provide youth with backpacks, haircuts, manicures, physicals, food and fun is truly a blessing. I am also thankful for all the partners, volunteers, the families who all came out to help and have fun. “

At the Back to School Picnic, backpacks and school supplies were given away. In addition, kids played on inflatables, played games, got haircuts, got sports physicals, and won prizes. 

Comcast donated a brand new laptop to for the Back to School Picnic, and lucky residents Madalynn and her mother Moriah Myles won the raffle for it at the event. ComEd also donated other resources. 

SPRINGFIELD - Insurance companies will be required to offer working families a flat-dollar copay plan for drug-related benefits because of a law sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey). 

“A fixed out-of-pocket amount will be better for those families who have smaller budgets and need consistency,” Harris said. “I strongly believe this will be beneficial for our working families in Illinois, as it will give them the option to budget their medical expenses more easily.”

SPRINGFIELD – Telehealth services will be expanded and adopted across Illinois – with a focus on disadvantaged communities – because of a law sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey).

“Telehealth will not only help patients but doctors as well,” Harris said. “Now appointments can be more efficient when in-person visits are not needed, and disproportionately impacted community members will have access to these services, which were not equitably provided throughout the pandemic.”