ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR
56TH DISTRICT

Before You Decide on Electric Aggregation, Know Your Options

Thermostat

If you’ve gotten a letter about municipal electric aggregation, you’re not alone. My office keeps hearing the same questions: Is this a scam? What is this? What am I supposed to do? Electric bills keep climbing, and years of flawed energy policy in Springfield are a big reason why. That’s part of why these notices […]

Senator Erica Harriss Secures $330,000 for New Maryville Village Ambulance

Senator Harriss speaks at ambulance ceremony.

A new ambulance is now serving the residents of Maryville thanks to a $330,000 state investment secured through the advocacy of State Senator Erica Harriss. Senator Harriss joined local officials, first responders, and community members Wednesday for the Maryville Village Fire Department’s Ambulance Commissioning and Push-In Ceremony, celebrating the department’s newest addition to its emergency […]

Illinois Families Deserve Relief, Not Another Record Budget

Senator Harriss siting in a committee room

When the General Assembly adjourned for the spring just before 5am on June 1, Illinois taxpayers were left with another record-breaking state budget, but very little relief from the high costs they face every day. Across the Metro East, the conversations I have with constituents are remarkably consistent. Families are paying more for groceries, housing, […]

Several New Laws Taking Effect on July 1

New Laws July1, 2026 Graphic

While most new laws in Illinois take effect on January 1, some measures are scheduled to align with the start of the state’s fiscal year on July 1. When the calendar turned to July 1 this year, 19 new laws took effect (18 from the 104th General Assembly and 1 from the 103rd General Assembly). Additionally, two […]

Join Sen. Erica Harriss and Rep. Amy Elik in Pontoon Beach for a FREE Shred Day

Senator Harriss and Representative Elik to Host FREE Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day

State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik are offering a FREE Shred Day in Pontoon Beach! Paper documents will be accepted for safe and secure destruction. Cardboard boxes used to transport documents will be returned to each person. The shredding company will accept a maximum of three bankers’ boxes per person. “One of […]