ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR
56TH DISTRICT

Sen. Harriss and Rep. Schmidt Advance Bills Promoting Transparency and Honoring Veterans

Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and Representative Kevin Schmidt (114th-Millstadt) announce the passage of two bills focused on government transparency and supporting Illinois veterans. House Bill 2137 requires local governments that already maintain a public website to post information directing residents to where audit and financial reports can be accessed through the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. […]

Senator Harriss Launches Student Art Contest Honoring America’s 250th Birthday

Art Contest Flyer 2026 State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting students across the 56th Senate District to participate in her district-wide art contest celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The contest is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and encourages young artists to showcase their creativity while […]

Senator Erica Harriss Announces Traveling Office Hours for May

Senator Harriss Introduces Measure to Protect Taxpayers from Solar Cleanup Costs

State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce a new round of Traveling Office Hours taking place throughout May, providing residents with additional opportunities to connect with her office and receive assistance with state services. “These Traveling Office Hours are an important way for my team to stay connected with the communities we […]

Senator Harriss to Host ICASH Event in Collinsville

Senator Harriss to Host ICASH Event in Maryville

State Senator Erica Harriss has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event Monday at the Mississippi Valley Library District. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details Who: Senator Erica Harriss; Illinois State Treasurer’s Office […]

Senator Harriss and Senator Tracy to Host ICASH Event in Alton

Senator Harris and Senator Tracy at ICASH Events

State Senator Erica Harriss and State Senator Jil Tracy have teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event Monday at the Hayner Public Library at Alton Square Mall. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details […]

Senator Harriss and Senator Rezin Push to Protect Kids in the Digital Age

Senator Harriss and Senator Rezin Push to Protect Kids in the Digital Age

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin and State Senator Erica Harriss recently unveiled a legislative package aimed at strengthening protections for children online by addressing social media harms, sexual exploitation, and minors’ access to adult content. The legislative package is designed to put stronger safeguards in place for children in the digital space by restricting […]

IDNR Upgrades Campsite and Shelter Reservation System

IDNR Upgrades Campsite and Shelter Reservation System

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has made upgrades to its campsite and shelter reservation system, giving park visitors a more user-friendly way to book reservations at state parks and historic sites. Beginning May 1, reservations for campsites and shelters will transition to an updated platform through ExploreMoreIL, the customer service portal used by […]

I-COVER Program Reopens to Provide Incentives for Sustainable Farming Practices

I-COVER Program Reopens to Provide Incentives for Sustainable Farming Practices

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has relaunched the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) program, which offers financial incentives to farmers adopting new or earlier cover crop techniques for 2026–2028. I-COVER is a three-year initiative funded by a $7 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote the use of cover crops and improve soil health. […]