State Launches Listening Tour on Math Plan

Illinois education officials are seeking feedback on a new statewide effort to improve student math performance, five years after Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 shutdown closed schools and disrupted learning. The Illinois State Board of Education will begin an eight-stop listening tour in October to gather input on its first draft of a “Comprehensive Numeracy Plan,” […]
Granite City Works: A Victory for American Steel and Working Families

By State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik Granite City has always been a steel town. Its factories and workers are the heartbeat of our community – providing strong union jobs that support families and fuel the local economy. That’s why the recent decision to continue steel slab production at Granite City Works […]
Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Amy Elik Statement on Granite City Works

State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik issued the following statement after US Steel announced that Granite City Works would be able to process steel slabs again, in a reversal of news from earlier this month that they would be halting slab delivery by the end of October: “We are elated with US […]
IDOT Now Accepting Applications for Harvest Permits

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), a free, practical tool that helps farmers and agricultural haulers move crops more efficiently during the fall harvest season. IHPs can be obtained by applying online through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Automated Permits website system. The permits allow farmers to haul […]
Applications Now Being Accepted for Illinois Small Equipment Grants

The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has recently announced the opening of the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program. The program offers grants of up to $26,000 to fire departments and ambulance services across the state to aid in the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. A total of $6 million is […]
Senator Harriss & Representative Elik to host Free Job Fair in Alton on Friday

State Senator Erica Harriss & State Representative Amy Elik are teaming up with local and state employers to host a free job fair in Alton. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. Friday, September 5 9:00AM – 1:00PM Lewis and Clark […]
Sticker Shock: Sen. Harriss Continues Push for Utility Bill Relief

Most of us have opened our utility bills recently in utter shock. Across downstate Illinois, I’m hearing the same concern from families, seniors, and small business owners and that’s utility bills that have doubled or even tripled in just months. People open their bills and immediately wonder, “How am I going to afford this?” This […]
Senator Harriss & Representative Elik release joint statement on Bethalto area water concerns

“Since learning of the brown water concerns in Bethalto, we have met with the Village of Bethalto and other local officials, contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and requested information and action from them, and consulted with outside water quality experts – all with the goal of determining the best course forward to be […]
Senator Erica Harriss’ Bill Ensuring Care for Retired Police K9s Signed into Law

Retired police K9s in Illinois may soon receive the veterinary support they deserve, thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon). “Our police K9s give everything they have to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Harriss. “After years of dangerous and demanding work, many face costly health challenges. This law makes […]
Senator Harriss & Rep. Elik Bringing Free Job Fair to Riverbend

State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik are teaming up with local and state employers to host a free job fair in Alton. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, this event is a great chance to explore what’s out there,” said Senator Harriss. “We […]