SPRINGFIELD – As systemic racism continues to be a barrier to economic advancement for people of color in Illinois and across the country, State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) is backing legislation that moves the Illinois economy forward by ensuring economic access, equity and opportunity for all.

“For far too long, Black people haven’t had access to the same opportunities to start careers and grow their businesses as a result of systemic racism,” Harris said. “In order to eliminate those barriers, we had to build new policies from the ground up.”

In order to eliminate historical economic disparities, the Senate passed a series of bills that addresses the third pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ anti-racism agenda—economic access, equity and opportunity—which is made up of nine parts:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) lead this year’s final Special Committee on Pension Investments, which focused on the significance of reaching diversity goals for pension investment managers with Illinois pension fund representatives.

“One of our state’s main goals is achieving diversity and inclusion in all industries to ensure social equity for Illinois residents and businesses,” Harris said. “Organizations need to hire diverse individuals. Simply showing reports on their progress — with bare minimum results — isn’t enough. We will continue to have these meetings until we see a diverse group of people employed in all sectors.”

SPRINGFILED – As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) chaired a meeting for the Special Committee on Pension Investments on Thursday to discuss the importance of achieving diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“In order to begin to bridge historical disparities, existing industries need to give minority firms a chance to enter the market,” Harris said. “Allowing Illinois pension funds to move at their own pace has not achieved spring of diversity we were anticipating, so we must now redouble our efforts in order to meet those goals.”

Encourages businesses to take advantage of Build Block of Success Workshops

DOLTON – To help businesses become Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certified, State Senator Napoleon Harris is encouraging them to participate in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s free virtual Building Block of Success Workshops.  

“Business owners can always learn something new to improve their performance, regardless if its admin, marketing, branding, product development, accounting or e-commerce,” Harris said. IDOT is providing a wonderful free opportunity to do that, and I encourage businesses to participate.”