SPRRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to the Senate members of the South Suburbs.

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

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. The measure – spearheaded by Harris – passed on Wednesday, would require the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

"We support this project to help create many exciting new opportunities for working families in the South Suburbs for generations to come," said Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. "It will jump-start the process leading to the thousands of good-paying union construction jobs to build the airport, and create many long-term career opportunities in the direct airport operations and all of the businesses that will develop around it."

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris is leading a measure to require insurance companies to submit diversity reports.

“Small businesses should have the support they need to accurately reflect the diversity of the state,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “There are many veteran-, minority-, and women-owned businesses throughout Illinois and we must ensure they are fairly and accurately represented.”

Senate Bill 2381 requires licensed or accredited insurance companies within the state to submit a diversity program report annually. This report would provide insight to how many companies accept or recognize minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned businesses. The diversity report would help determine ways to improve and better serve various groups of businesses.

“As someone with experience in the insurance industry, I know how necessary it is to prop up small and diverse businesses with the resources needed to thrive in this economy and dismantle disparities,” said Harris. “I am committed to making an effort to support the research to do just that.”

Senate Bill 2381 passed the Senate Insurance Committee last Wednesday and will head to the floor for further deliberation.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) released the following statement after hearing the governor’s proposal for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget:

“Illinois has worked diligently for years to revitalize our communities – which includes welcoming businesses from other states that will in turn spur job creation and economic growth. Investing in small businesses uplifts entrepreneurs and funnels funding back into our communities.”

“Ensuring that equitable opportunities are in place for minority owned businesses is necessary for the revitalization of underserved communities. As a small business owner I understand the significant value we add to society by being a local resource to our neighboring residents and how difficult it can be to recover from the residual effects of the pandemic. These proposals will not only increase employment, but will enable us to further support and build the backbone of our economy.”

“I am hopeful with the job creation and workforce development plans outlined by the governor, and look forward to ongoing negotiations in the months to come.”

HARVEY – The Illinois EPA announced more than $125,000 is heading to Dolton, Markham, and Posen to assist the cities in identifying service lines that may contain lead.

“Lead levels have been a pervasive issue in our communities and its risk impends upon the wellbeing of children and families,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “Investing in our service lines will enhance drinking water and provide a better quality of life for many.”

Senator Harris voted for the legislation creating the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act in 2021. The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with an estimated 730,000 to 1.4 million lead service lines in the ground. There is no safe level of exposure to lead.

“This funding will provide many communities with the necessary funding to develop a complete inventory identifying the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supplies,” said Illinois EPA Director John Kim.

To see a full list of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grants, click here.