SPRINGFIELD – A measure that preserves insurance choices for rural farmers in Illinois is now law, thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

Harris’ initiative – which was signed into law Friday – modernizes coverage requirements for farm mutual insurance companies to allow them to adapt to changes in the insurance marketplace and continue to provide coverage to farmers across Illinois.

“Illinois’ farmers drive our economy,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is important that we update the state’s provisions to allow these community insurance companies to keep their doors open and preserve choice in the insurance marketplace.”

Farm mutual insurance companies typically started off as small community-based organizations, but over time many have grown and began to offer insurance to more members in more diverse communities. Currently, there are 44 farm mutual companies that provide more than 50,000 policy holders with insurance coverage.

SPRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. Where many lawmakers have failed – Harris (D-Harvey) fought and held the state accountable to fulfill its promises to the South Suburbs by requiring the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

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

The South Suburban Airport Act, which became law more than a decade ago, established that the state may develop a prequalification process. Since its enactment, no process has been established until Harris’ advocacy and leadership in getting this venture into the end zone.

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris III is proud to announce the rehabilitation of Wood Street in the South Suburbs through the state’s multi-year infrastructure plan.

“It is a bittersweet feeling to be one of the reasons why a street I grew up on is going to be restored,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “I lived right on Wood Street, and I am proud to see that our infrastructure plan is rebuilding communities and creating an equitable transportation system for all.” 

HARVEY – As a strong supporter of their multi-year plan, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III joined the Illinois Department of Transportation to announce an investment of $27 million in road and bridge improvement projects by the end of 2023. 

“The direct effect of transport infrastructure investment is to improve travel conditions for local residents or civilians who uses these roads for daily travel,” said Harris. “Road and bridge improvements will not only improve travel conditions but boost economic growth and enhance local communities curve appeal.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Harris’s district will see 46 infrastructure projects totaling more than $121 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Bridge repair from South of Little Calumet River to South of U.S. 6 (159^th St.) 
• Street repair from I-94 (Bishop Ford Expwy.) to Burnham Ave. 
• Traffic flow improvements from Hamilton Ave. to Cleveland Ave. 

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“If we want to continue to improve our state’s economic and developmental growth we have to invest in our roads,” Harris said. “Our economy depends reliable infrastructure to connect supply chains and to produce more efficient travel for years to come.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 15^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III championed a law signed on Friday to ensure patients needing home health services receive adequate care.

“Home health services prevent older adults from experiencing discomfort through isolation and unfamiliar surroundings,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “By allowing our state’s older population to stay in the comfort of their own home, we are providing them with independence while still receiving the appropriate level of supportive care.”

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III announced a $20 million investment will be coming to Harvey to replace the platforms and add an elevator to the 147th Street Metra Station to make it more accessible to people with disabilities. 

“After years of disinvestment, the 147th Street Metra Station in Harvey will see a $20 million investment to make it more accessible to the community,” Harris said. “This upgrade is vital as it will assist with developing the social, economic, and environmental territory around this Harvey Metra location.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure patients needing home health services receive adequate care, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) advanced legislation to require all state health insurance plans to offer coverage.   

"Home care offers individualized services that are tailored to the client's health care needs and finances," Harris said. "By ensuring all state insurance plans cover home services, Illinois can play a tremendous role in protecting the most vulnerable among us, including older residents, the chronically ill and individuals with disabilities."

House Bill 5585 will require all health insurance plans governed by state law issued on or after Jan. 1, 2024, to provide coverage for access to home health services for the duration of medically necessary care. 

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent an abusive partner from receiving spousal support, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) introduced legislation to create the Domestic Violence Maintenance Task Force.

“Victims of abuse should not have to pay alimony to an abusive spouse, regardless of their financial situation,” Harris said. 

House Bill 861 creates the Domestic Violence Maintenance Task Force. The task force will review domestic cases involving domestic violence and maintenance awards, also known as alimony, and issue recommendations to improve court procedures regarding a maintenance award when a spouse has been convicted of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery against the other spouse.