mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov, Author at Erica Harriss

Senator Erica Harriss on idling of Granite City blast furnace

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 22:56:28 +0000

State Senator Erica Harriss (56^th-Glen Carbon) has released the below statement in response to U.S Steel’s decision to idle Blast Furnace B at the Granite City Works plant.

“As the granddaughter of a U.S. Steel worker, I personally understand the opportunities that these jobs create for families like mine for generations. As families continue to suffer from stagnant wages and increased inflation, potential layoffs in Granite City could have a disastrous impact on our local community. I will continue to support the rights of workers to protect their jobs and the working families they support.”

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New law by Sen. Harriss addresses police shortage

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:26:05 +0000

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) taking aim at reducing the current police shortage at Illinois universities was signed into law late last week. Previously, out-of-state residents could not apply for university police officer positions unless all Illinois applicants have been deemed unqualified. Harriss’ House Bill 1767 removes that requirement.

The new policy was an initiative of the University Chiefs of Police of Illinois in an attempt to remove the exhaustive process to accept and receive applications from non-Illinois residents. Additionally, this new law will level the playing field for university departments as municipal police departments do not have a residency requirement.

“It’s no secret that across Illinois there is a shortage in our law enforcement profession. That burden is exacerbated within our universities, which weren’t afforded the same hiring privileges as other police departments,” said Sen. Harriss. “In an effort to fulfill the needs within the profession, this new law will ensure that all qualified candidates are given an opportunity for employment.

“Additionally, it’s my hope that this new policy will not only increase employment within the profession, but also provide an incentive for people who obtain a job outside their home state to move to Illinois to raise their families as well.”

The legislation, signed into law on Friday, July 28, takes effect January 1, 2024.

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Event name sample

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 11:55:45 +0000

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

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Event name sample

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 11:55:43 +0000

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

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Governor Signs Assault Weapons Ban

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:20:22 +0000

In the Lame Duck Session this week, an “assault” weapons ban was passed and signed into law, with the vote split mostly along party lines. There were a few concessions made from the original bill; however, the current legislation overall prohibits the manufacture, sale, and future purchase of “assault weapons.”
While the new bans most citizens from purchasing certain firearms, existing guns are grandfathered in. Owners of those guns are required to register those weapons under the new law.
After passing in both the Senate and House, the Governor quickly signed the ban into law at a press conference at the Capitol.
In response, Second Amendment advocates promised to challenge the constitutionality of the ban in court.

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SAFE-T Act Is Partially Paused in the Illinois Supreme Court

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 06:25:44 +0000

After the Kankakee County judge ruled parts of the SAFE-T Act as unconstitutional in a lawsuit filed by multiple counties, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled December 31st to halt the implementation of the no-cash bail system that was supposed to go into effect on January 1.
The ruling is in response to a lower court ruling that would have stopped the participating counties from enforcing the no cash bail law. The Supreme Court’s ruling was issued to make sure different systems weren’t being used in different counties while the court case moves forward. In its order, the Illinois Supreme Court said the ruling was to “maintain consistent pretrial procedures throughout Illinois.”
While this ruling does place a momentary stop on the no-cash bail system, it does not stop all of the SAFE-T Act. Other changes still in force include: requiring body cameras on law enforcement by 2025, more police training in accountability and transparency, and new guidelines for the decertification of police officers. Some cite the increased financial burden these requirements place on municipalities, however.
As of now, a firm date has not been set yet for the Illinois Supreme Court to hear the lawsuit. However, the Court has released a loose schedule for the case to follow. Opening briefs will run from late January to the end of February and oral arguments will be held sometime in March. Then it is up to the Justices to make their decisions and draft their opinions. Currently the Court is made up of five Democrats and two Republicans, with terms lasting ten years

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Erica Harriss sworn in as Senator of Illinois’ 56th District

mbrooks@sgop.ilga.gov — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:20:24 +0000

Newly elected State Senator Erica Harriss took the oath of office Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Old Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to be sworn in and represent the state’s new 56th Senate District, which is comprised of Madison and St. Clair counties. “As a former member of the Madison County Board for six years, I saw firsthand the importance of putting the taxpayer, parent and resident first,” said Sen. Harriss. “It was during my time on this board that made me realize how I could expand my service to the state level and serve the great people of my district on a broader horizon.” During her time on the Madison County Board, Senator Harriss worked diligently to promote fiscal responsibility, while maintaining high-quality services, infrastructure, and government accountability. “I look forward to representing the Metro-East area and working for the people of the 56h District,” said Sen. Harriss. “As a mother, small business owner, and volunteer, we must create good policy and weed out corruption to set our state’s most vulnerable population up for great success in the future.” Sen. Harriss is a proud graduate of Edwardsville High School before earning her college degree in Speech Communication/Public Relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Sen. Harriss and her husband Jeff have three children.

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