DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) will host a virtual town hall to share updated information on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda and COVID-19 vaccines.

Harris will be broadcasting the town hall live on Feb. 9, at 6 p.m., from his Facebook page.

“After the January session, many residents had questions about the package of legislation we passed. This town hall is a great opportunity for them to get answers,” Harris said. “I urge community members to join to understand the Black Caucus’ agenda is all about equality and inclusion for people of color.”

During the January session, the Illinois Senate Legislative Black Caucus passed the most comprehensive legislative package in the nation to rid Illinois of systemic racism. The purpose of the town hall is to clarify misconceptions about the measures and answer any outstanding questions.

Harris will also discuss the state’s vaccination distribution plan.

For questions or additional information, Harris urges residents to contact his office at 708-893-0552 or visit his website.

DOLTON - As winter weather continues to reach freezing temperatures, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) reminds homeowners to check their home heating and alarm devices to make sure they are still functioning properly.

“A proper home inspection is critical in ensuring your home is equipped with the quality heating it needs to fight off the coldness of our winter season,” Harris said. “However, it is also important to check your furnace, furnace filter and smoke detectors to ensure your family is safe from potential fires.”

DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) will host a virtual town hall to share updated information on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda and COVID-19 vaccines.

Harris will be broadcasting the town hall live on Feb. 2, at 6.pm. from his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorNapoleonBHarrisIII.

“After the January session, many residents had questions about the package of legislation we passed. This town hall is a great opportunity for them to get answers,” Harris said. “I urge community members to join to understand the Black Caucus’ agenda is all about equality and inclusion for people of color.”

DOLTON – As small businesses continue to suffer from the national health crisis, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) is honored to announces that a combined 86 local businesses were awarded over a million dollars during the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program.

“Small businesses play an important role in supporting their local communities but have had a time tough time staying relevant amongst this pandemic,” Harris said. “Many of these businesses have little cash on hand or resources to buffer even with a minor financial infraction, so it’s vital that we provide them with the financial assistance to continue to bolster our local economies.”

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.”

The Emerging Manager Program offers opportunities to newer, smaller and diverse investment management firms to help grow the state’s common retirement fund.

Under Illinois law, public employee pension systems must set and work toward diversity goals, as well as increase access to state contracts for investment management firms, brokerages and other vendors owned by minorities, women or people with disabilities. 

Since 2004, the Senate has held annual hearings to receive updates from the pension systems on their progress in meeting these goals and to discuss ways in which the state can continue to break down barriers for emerging investment managers and other financial professionals. 

“We need to ensure that these pension funds are actually trying to move toward achieving diversity,” Harris said. “As some companies have shared that they have exceeded their diversity goals for women, minorities were still left behind.” 

Testimonies from pension fund representatives will continue on Friday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m.

The virtual committee hearing can be viewed at https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video," and the link will become available when proceedings begin. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

SPRINGFIELD – To address issues of diversity and inclusion for Black and Brown communities, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) will chair two virtual hearings of the Special Committee on Pension Investments Dec. 10 and 11 at 1 p.m. to discuss diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“There’s no denying the racial injustice and discrimination that people of color have to face on a daily basis,” Harris said. “Programs like the Emerging Manager Program are helpful, but there is still a long list of diverse individuals who are waiting for the opportunity to be a part of the investment management business.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), will head a number of hearings later this month to review Illinois’ efforts to increase diversity in pension investment managers.  

Under Illinois law, public employee pension systems must set and work toward diversity goals. They must also increase access to state contracts for investment management firms, brokerages and other vendors owned by minorities, women or people with disabilities. Since 2004, the Senate has held annual hearings to receive updates from the pension systems on their progress in meeting these goals and to discuss ways in which the state can continue to break down barriers for emerging investment managers and other financial professionals. 

DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) is thrilled to learn 20 local businesses have been awarded funding through the Business Interruption Grant to help counter the financial struggles that have been endured throughout the pandemic. 

“Illinois is fighting to keep small businesses operating. Small businesses are the backbone of our society and supply many jobs for local community members,” Harris said. “More business should apply for this grant opportunity in order to receive financial assistance.”  

Twenty businesses in the district Harris represents received a combined $365,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.