Senator Harriss spreads love through Valentines For Seniors Card Drive
State Senator Erica Harriss spent Valentines Day hand-delivering homemade cards as a part of her first annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. “It’s truly humbling to see so many church groups, local organizations, and schools, create homemade cards for us to deliver to area seniors across the 56th District,” said Senator Harriss. “On a day focused […]
Senator Harriss announces grant money for local park and recreation projects
State Senator Erica Harriss is proud to announce $1 million in grant funding to two communities across the 56th District as a part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development or OSLAD program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “The Metro East has a rich history of connecting people to nature and it’s […]
Senate Republicans Help Convince Gov. Pritzker to Pause Budget Cuts for the Developmentally Disabled
Senate Republicans are applauding a decision from Illinois Department of Human Services to halt proposed budget cuts to the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) community. The Pritzker administration’s proposed cuts would have amounted to 2.5 million fewer hours that Direct Support Professionals (DSP) could provide services in group homes, where approximately 10,000 adults with intellectual/developmental […]
Task Force Looks to Highlight Underground Railroad History in Illinois
Senate Bill 1623 established the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force last year to create a cohesive history of the Illinois portion of the Underground Railroad. This task force includes members from the Illinois State Historical Society, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and several lawmakers. The group was created to develop a statewide plan to […]
Sen. Harriss releases statement on local judge appointment
State Senator Erica Harriss has released the below statement following Thursday’s appointment announcement of Judge Amy Sholar to the 5th District of the Appellate Court of Illinois: “I am thrilled to learn that Madison County Circuit Judge Amy Sholar has been appointed to the 5th District of the Appellate Court of Illinois,” said Senator Erica […]
IDNR Seeking Summer Instructors for 2024 Urban Fishing Program Clinics
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications now for instructors for 2024 summer fishing clinics through the department’s Urban Fishing Program. The Illinois Urban Fishing Program was established in 1985 to teach people of all ages to fish, to provide better local fishing opportunities, and to offer participants an understanding of and […]
Illinois Cannabis Sales Set Record
Illinois set another record for recreational cannabis sales in 2023, with more than $1.63 billion in sales. While sales to out-of-state residents showed a significant drop as additional states joined Illinois in legalizing the adult use of cannabis, sales to Illinois residents increased by 14%. Overall, Illinois saw a 7% increase in retail cannabis sales, resulting in $417.6 […]
Sen. Harriss needs your help to create Valentine cards for area seniors
Her Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive is Now Underway As a way to honor area seniors, State Senator Erica Harriss is hosting her annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive through February 5, 2024. “I often hear of people in the community looking for ways to help others. This is an opportunity people can show […]
Illinois recreational trail projects awarded $3.7 million
The local trails in your neighborhood could be getting a significant facelift, thanks to the recent announcement that $3.7 million will be awarded for various recreational trail development projects across the state. Under the program, local grant recipients can receive a reimbursement of up to 80 percent for the cost of trail projects. Grants may […]
Volunteer Emergency Worker Income Tax Credit
Volunteer firefighters and EMTs are getting financial help from the state to help them cover the costs of training and equipment. Eligible Illinois emergency volunteers may now receive a $500 non-refundable income tax credit starting next year. A volunteer emergency worker is defined as a person who serves as a member, other than on a […]