Senator Harriss Introduces Legislative Package to Provide Relief to Struggling Homeowners
Illinois Senate Minority Leader John Curran and State Senator Erica Harriss presented legislative solutions to help make buying and staying in a home more affordable in Illinois. Last year, first-time home buyers dropped to a record low of 21 percent of total purchases, while the average age of first-time buyers climbed to an all-time high […]
Senator Erica Harriss: Affordability Is Not a Slogan
The Senate has returned to Springfield for the Spring Legislative Session. After several weeks of filing legislation, we are now moving into the committee process to debate and advance new proposals this session. A few weeks ago, the Governor delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address, outlining his priorities for the year […]
Applications Now Open for Illinois K-9 Memorial License Plate Supporting Retired Police Dogs
Illinois residents can now apply for the new K-9 Memorial License Plate, supporting a first-of-its-kind program to help cover veterinary expenses for retired police dogs across the state. The specialty plate funds the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program, created under House Bill 3140. The legislation was originally filed in the House by Representative […]
Senator Harriss Statement on 2026 State Budget Address
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) released the following statement after Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address: “As a working parent in a family of five, I know affordability is not a slogan. It is about whether families can pay their bills, plan for the future, and feel secure in their homes. […]
Senator Erica Harriss’ Statement on Senate Bill 3572
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 3572: “After reviewing Senate Bill 3572, I believe this bill represents an extreme viewpoint, focusing more on fear and punishment than promoting life. I want to be clear that I do not support this legislation. “We should invest in prenatal care, maternal […]
Senator Erica Harriss Supports Legislation to Improve DCFS Accountability and Transparency
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) is pushing for legislative reforms to strengthen accountability and transparency at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), particularly regarding foster youth who go missing while under state supervision. Senate Bill 2869 would require DCFS to consistently track and publicly report information on missing foster youth, allowing […]
Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Amy Elik Visit Collinsville Area Vocational Center Expansion Site to See Progress
Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik toured the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) expansion site to get a firsthand look at building progress and to learn more about plans for the expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. CAVC Director Joe McGinnis led the tour to share the vision of what […]
Senator Harriss Announces Spring Internship Opportunities
State Senator Erica Harriss is now accepting applications for paid spring legislative internships at her district office in Edwardsville. The program offers undergraduate students interested in government, public policy, or public affairs a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world experience serving the community. “Our interns play an incredibly important role in helping us connect with constituents […]
Senator Harriss reacts to closure of Alton Steel
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has released the below statement following today’s closure announcement of Alton Steel: “I am truly shocked by today’s announcement. Just weeks ago, Alton Steel was actively hiring, and there were no indications that these jobs or this facility were at risk. Families built their plans and their futures around […]
IDHS Shares Resources as SNAP Work Requirement Rules Change in 2026
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is sharing updated information and resources for SNAP recipients as new federal policy changes take effect in 2026. Under the updated federal rules, the definition of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) has expanded. Previously, it applied to adults ages 18–54 with no disabilities and no children under 18 […]