Throughout the last few months I have been working with other Illinois lawmakers and various state agencies to hold Minority Business Summits throughout the state. The purpose of these meetings is to inform minority business owners about programs and opportunities offered by the state. These events have been held in an effort to create a space for open dialogue about issues minority businesses face and how we can foster an environment that is more welcoming for the expansion of minority owned businesses in Illinois.

These events have been a great success and have given us great insight on the kinds of legislation needed to foster growth for minority owned businesses throughout the state. Below is some information on the legislation I, and other Illinois lawmakers, have been working on.

 SPRINGFIELD, IL – In regards to the Illinois State Senate passing appropriations to maintain funding to social services that provides critical services for the most vulnerable populations, Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Flossmoor) said the following:

“Today we are taking action to protect senior citizens, those with developmental disabilities and other vulnerable populations. These services are critical to helping our communities. This will allow essential services to stay in place for another month while we continue to work on a budget for 2016. Now is the time to stand up for the people in our communities. We must work together and make sure our communities are stable and people have access to the core services they need.

This is a step in the right direction to solve our funding issues. However, hopefully in the upcoming weeks the governor can sit with leaders on both side of the isle and come up with a long-term solution.”

SPRINGFIELD – As schools across the south suburbs wrap up the school year, State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) supported a $7 billion state education funding plan that would allow schools to open on time for the next school year unless Gov. Bruce Rauner rejects the plan.

“We cannot play around when it comes to education funding,” said Harris. “Our future starts in our schools, and making sure they receive the funding they need to keep their doors open will remain my priority. I hope the governor will make this a priority too, and not hold these funds hostage while we debate the rest of this budget.”

This year’s education spending plan represents a $295 million dollar increase of direct aid to schools: a $207 million dollar increase to per-student funding as well as an $85 million increase to school districts with high poverty and fewer available local resources.

The Senate approved this increase Friday, which had been previously approved by the House. It requires the governor’s approval before local district will receive funding for the next school year.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation passed the Illinois Senate today that would create the Residential and Economic Redlining Task Force Act. State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) is the chief Senate sponsor of the measure.

This legislation creates a task force to examine barriers to economic opportunities in economically depressed communities, issues discouraging local investment, community concerns, current economic conditions and establishes comprehensive economic development policy for businesses of all size.