MANTENO – Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision to locate its new $2 billion electric vehicle lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, representing a significant step forward in strengthening the EV supply chain and creating more than 2,600 new, good-paying jobs in Kankakee County.

“The legislature and governor have worked diligently to create a stable, predictable economic climate in which business can thrive,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Our partnership with Gotion is possible thanks to years of hard work and investment. Illinois is one of the best places in the world to do business.”

Bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles Illinois incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois fund, Gotion’s new state-of-the-art EV battery plant will help strengthen the supply chain and meet the growing demand for batteries in the EV sector across North America. The facility will focus on lithium-ion battery cell, battery pack production and energy storage system integration. Once completed, the facility in Manteno is expected to produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement regarding the Illinois Supreme Court upholding the state’s assault weapons ban.

“This is a victory for common sense. Weapons of war have no place on our streets. I am proud to have worked on it and even prouder to see it upheld in court today.”

Harmon was the sponsor of the legislation creating the assault weapons ban.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) passed legislation today prohibiting firearms manufacturers and sellers from marketing weapons to children and from promoting illegal militia activity.

The measure also makes it illegal for any firearms dealer to knowingly create a condition that endangers public safety. Examples of such situations include failure to prevent the sale of a firearm to a straw purchaser and failure to ensure that business practices comply with all local, state and federal laws. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, welcomed Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson to the State Capitol Wednesday, beginning a conversation on economic development, public safety, and moving Illinois and the City of Chicago forward together.

“I sincerely thank Speaker Welch, President Harmon, and every legislator for their warm welcome today. Together, we have laid the foundation for a collaborative, productive, and energetic partnership to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago that benefits every community across Illinois,” said Mayor-Elect Johnson. “This legislative body has shown it’s possible to take bold action to lift-up people all across our state, and I stand ready to work together to strengthen our public schools, ensure safety in every community, and support Illinois businesses to drive widespread economic growth and prosperity.”

SPRINGFIELD — Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon was elected Senate President by his colleagues Wednesday, vowing to keep Illinois moving forward and calling on all in public office to recognize and honor the responsibilities and high standards the public expects.

“Each of us serves roughly a quarter million people back home. A quarter million people. What is best for them? What is best for the millions of working families across our state? What is best for the nearly 13 million people who collectively call Illinois home?” Harmon said. “Be guided by that truth, whether it be politically convenient or not. If your motivations are elsewhere, the Illinois Senate is not for you.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after the Senate passed a comprehensive bill protecting the rights of Illinoisans to receive reproductive and gender affirming health care:

“The Supreme Court sent a clear message when overturning Roe v. Wade that it is willing to ignore precedent and roll back previously granted rights.

“In Illinois, we trust women, and we will protect their right to make their own decisions about their health care and their bodies.

“The legislation passed today solidifies our state against current and future attacks from those looking to roll back the clock and reverse progress.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed historic legislation today that bans the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“After continued negotiations between the leaders, stakeholders and advocates, we have reached a deal on one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the country,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Gun violence is an epidemic that is plaguing every corner of this state and the people of Illinois are demanding substantive action. With this legislation we are delivering on the promises Democrats have made and, together, we are making Illinois’ gun laws a model for the nation.”

Senate President Don Harmon's (D-Oak Park) statement on Senator Bennett's death:

“I was devastated today to learn of the death of Senator Scott Bennett.

“My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his wife Stacy and their children during this unimaginably difficult time.

“I ask the media and others to respect their privacy.”

(At this time, the family has requested no flowers and plants. The family will name a charity organization to send donations to honor his memory in the coming days.)