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 […]
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends Offers Energy Bill Assistance
With Illinoisans across the state seeing increases in their energy bills, Ameren is partnering with the Energy Assistance Foundation to offer in-need ratepayers with additional support through the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, which provides bill payment support for eligible households across Ameren Illinois’ service territory. According to the Foundation, thousands of Illinois families struggle […]
Senator Harriss: Governor’s New Energy Law Makes Power More Expensive, Less Reliable
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) issued the following statement after the signing of SB25 the “Energy Omnibus” Bill into law: “With the governor’s signature, Illinois is moving further down a path that makes energy more expensive and less dependable for families and small businesses. This law removes important protections that helped keep utility bills […]
Senator Harriss Collecting Valentine’s Card’s for Seniors Across the 56th District
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting the community to help put a smile on the faces of local seniors this Valentine’s Day! She is encouraging students, scout troops, churches, families, and community groups to create heartfelt, homemade Valentine’s Day cards for residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities across the 56th District. […]
Part 2: New Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026
In the second part of our series, we highlight new laws that focus on supporting farmers, environmental changes, improving business practices, laws impacting public safety across Illinois and more. Helping Tomorrow’s Farmers Individuals seeking to enter Illinois’s top industry of agriculture and farming will receive valuable assistance through Senate Bill 2372 (P.A. 104-0146). This law […]
Part 1: New Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026
As Illinoisans prepare to ring in the New Year, 392 new laws are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. These new laws cover a wide variety of topics, including policies that impact students, enhance educational opportunities, improve public health and healthcare access, support veterans, and more. Below is a summary of some of […]