SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) advanced his effort to ensure insurance companies adopt and expand telehealth services, with a particular focus on serving disadvantaged communities.  

“The pandemic has highlighted existing racial, economic, and geographic disparities that hinder access to medical treatment,” Harris said. “Creating uniform rules for insurance companies’ telehealth services could improve access for everyone, especially members of disproportionately impacted communities that have limited resources.”

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.” 

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) passed legislation out of the General Assembly that would require all Illinois-regulated health insurance companies to offer predictable plans for drug benefits.  

“Many families have a monthly budget and knowing how much their drug copayment will be every month would give them the ability to better manage their finances,” Harris said. “Flat-dollar copay plans should be an option for everyone and should be available immediately.”  

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.