SPRINGFIELD –Illinois now allows student-athletes to be paid for the use of their names, image, or likenesses because of ex-NFL and Northwestern University alum State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey).

“Finally student-athletes will receive some financial benefit for the use of their names, images, and likenesses,” Harris said. “Their schools will no longer receive all the financial benefits. The students deserve compensation from the hard work of being a college athlete and making their schools millions of dollars.”  

The NCAA came out in support of paying college athletes but still has not provided guidelines on compensation for participating in sports other than through scholarships.

This law allows student-athletes to earn compensation for the use of their names, images, or likenesses – not their athletic ability. It will allow them to receive payment for products like apparel and video games that use their names or images. This law will be preempted if the federal government or the NCAA enacts its own regulations. 

Also, this law will prohibit student-athletes from benefiting from their athletic abilities, participating in intercollegiate athletics or sports competitions, attending a specific educational institution, or entering into a publicity rights agreement. 

HARVEY – As a strong advocate of allowing compensation for student-athletes, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) supports the Supreme Court decision to allow these students to receive education-related payments. 

“College sports is a billion-dollar industry, and these student athletes are not compensated nearly enough for helping their schools and the NCCA build a commercial empire,” Harris said.  “This decision is a great step toward helping these student-athletes receive fair compensation, but it doesn’t go far enough. I still believe they should be allowed to be paid for the use of their images and likenesses in connection to products like clothing and video games.” 

Black Wall Street legislation passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) continues to advocate for increased support for Black-owned businesses throughout Illinois, passing a new economic stimulus program out of the Senate.

“Our Black businesses will not last if we do not elevate them and provide the resources they need to compete in Illinois,” Harris said. “I have seen firsthand the struggles these Black business owners face to succeed – struggles that could have been prevented if they had the same support as other businesses.” 

A program where Black businesses finally get the resources they need 

SPRINGFIELD – To better support Black-owned businesses, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) is pushing to create the Black Wall Street Program to increase the progress of Black businesses in Illinois.

"We can reduce the challenges Black businesses face by providing access to resources that help them develop," Harris said. "Supporting Black businesses helps not just the businesses, but the entire community that surrounds them."   

House Bill 1960 would require the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create and administer this program to stimulate black businesses' growth and development in under-served communities throughout the state of Illinois.