“Bryant Park is an important part of the Bethalto community, and I’m proud to bring these dollars back for a project residents will be able to see and enjoy,” said Senator Harriss. “This is a great example of state funding being put to work right here at home.”

The funding will support the installation of lighting along the walking path at Bryant Park.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss continuing to invest in Bethalto and helping us move projects like this forward,” said Mayor Gary Bost. “Bryant Park is a place our community takes a lot of pride in, and we’re excited to make another addition to it.”

Public Works Director Rod Cheatham said the lighting will improve visibility along the path and help residents feel safer while walking during early morning and evening hours.

“Bryant Park is a central hub for our residents. The new path lighting will greatly improve evening safety and accessibility for walkers, runners, and families. We deeply appreciate Senator Harriss’ continued advocacy for the Village of Bethalto and the broader Metro East community and thank her for championing initiatives that enhance our local quality of life,” said Cheatham.

Senator Harriss said she will continue working with local leaders to bring state resources back to communities across the 56th District.

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State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) announced she has secured $100,000 in state funding to support the City of Collinsville’s ongoing work to add specialized PFAS treatment to its water treatment system.

“Addressing PFAS is a significant undertaking, and I know this project will require substantial resources,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding is one piece of that larger effort, and my hope is that it helps ease the burden on local taxpayers as Collinsville moves forward with this important project.”

The City of Collinsville is planning an approximately $11.5 million project to retrofit its water treatment facility with specialized PFAS treatment. The city has already identified roughly half of the funding needed for the project and is continuing to pursue additional state and federal resources.

“This is an important investment as we continue planning for the long-term needs of our water system,” said Collinsville City Manager Derek Jackson. “We appreciate Senator Harriss working with the city and helping secure additional resources for this project.”

Mayor Jeff Stehman said the funding is another step toward helping Collinsville meet the significant cost of the project.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss recognizing the scope of this project and continuing to advocate for Collinsville,” said Mayor Stehman. “Every additional resource helps as we work toward a long-term solution for our community.”

Senator Harriss said she will continue working alongside Collinsville officials to pursue additional resources and support the city as the project moves forward.

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“Earlier this year, a constituent stopped by one of my ICASH events and discovered they had $94,000 waiting for them,” said Senator Harriss. “That’s exactly why these events matter. It only takes a few minutes to check, and you never know what may be waiting for you or your family.”

Representatives from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will be available at both events to assist residents with searching the state’s ICASH database and provide information on how to claim property.

Edwardsville ICASH Event
Wednesday, September 16
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Edwardsville Gun Club
4104 Staunton Road, Edwardsville

Bethalto ICASH Event
Thursday, September 17
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bethalto Public Library
321 South Prairie Street, Bethalto

“Too often, people have money sitting with the state and don’t even know it,” said Senator Plummer. “These events make it easier for people to find out what they’re owed and start the process of getting it back. If the money belongs to you, you should be able to get it without jumping through hoops.”

The events are free and open to the public. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, contact Dominick at DVessimi@sgop.ilga.gov or by calling 217-782-1154.

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Those things matter. I am a parent, and I know those conversations matter.

But parents should not be expected to compete alone against some of the largest technology companies in the world and products specifically designed to keep people clicking, scrolling and coming back for more.

The recent landmark settlement with Meta should be a wake-up call.

Illinois joined a bipartisan coalition of states in reaching a settlement of up to $17.1 billion with Meta over allegations involving Facebook and Instagram and their impact on children and teens. Subject to court approval, Meta will also be required to make significant changes for users under 18, including stronger age verification, time limits, restrictions on nighttime access and notifications, and additional controls over algorithmic feeds.

Those are significant changes. They also raise an important question: Why did it take years of litigation to get here?

Our children are growing up online in a digital world that is changing faster than most of us can keep up with and social media is only part of that challenge. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of how young people search for information, communicate and even form relationships online.

We cannot wait until after children have been harmed to decide that safeguards were necessary.

That is why protecting kids in the digital age has become an important part of my work in Springfield.

I’ve introduced Senate Bill 3945, the Adult Content Age Verification Act. The legislation would require websites that contain substantial amounts of material harmful to minors to take reasonable steps to verify that users are adults. Companies that refuse to comply could face penalties, with those dollars directed toward investigating cybercrimes involving the exploitation of children.

The principle is simple. Businesses have responsibilities when they sell age restricted products in the physical world. The digital world should not become a loophole that leaves children with fewer protections.

We also have to recognize the new risks that come with artificial intelligence.

I supported Senate Bill 316, which passed the Illinois Senate unanimously. The legislation would require AI companion systems to include protocols for responding to suicidal ideation or expressions of self-harm, clearly tell users that they are communicating with an automated system rather than a human, and include protections aimed at preventing harmful material from being generated for minors. I voted yes because technological progress and child safety should never be treated as competing priorities.

I also cosponsored legislation establishing new safety and transparency requirements for developers of the largest and most advanced AI systems. That measure, Senate Bill 315, was signed into law this summer.

Government alone will not solve every problem online, and legislation will never replace involved parents. But we can give families better tools, demand more responsibility from technology companies and make sure our laws are keeping pace with the world our children are living in.

On September 15, I am hosting Protecting Kids in a Digital World at Caseyville Village Hall. Experts from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Illinois State Police will talk with parents and caregivers about online threats, social media, popular apps, cyberbullying and practical ways to help keep kids safe. The free event will run from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

The Meta settlement is an important step, but it cannot be the finish line.

Technology will continue to change. The platforms our children use five years from now may not even exist today. Parents should have more tools. Companies should be held accountable. And when it comes to protecting children online, we should not have to wait for the next lawsuit to put safeguards into place.

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“Our police officers and firefighters put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve to have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m proud to bring these dollars back to East Alton and help make sure our first responders have the resources they need when our families and neighbors are counting on them.”

The funding will help the East Alton Police Department purchase police camera equipment, less-lethal shotguns, pepper ball guns and a crime scene camera.

“Having updated equipment makes a true difference for our officers and gives them additional tools to safely respond to situations in our community,” said East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike. “We appreciate Senator Harriss working to bring these resources back to East Alton and supporting our department.”

The East Alton Fire Department will use the funding toward equipment including a CPR training manikin, turnout gear, an adult rescue manikin and a forcible entry saw.

“This equipment will strengthen both our training and our ability to respond when our residents need us,” said East Alton Fire Chief Jeremy Diveley. “We are grateful for Senator Harriss’ support of our firefighters and the East Alton community.”

“Public safety is one of our most important responsibilities as a village, and these are resources our police officers and firefighters can put to good use,” said East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton. “We appreciate Senator Harriss continuing to work with East Alton and helping us bring state dollars back home for our community.”

Senator Harriss said she will continue working with local leaders to bring state resources back to the Metro East and make sure communities like East Alton have the support they need to serve and protect their residents.

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With children spending more time online and new apps and social media trends constantly emerging, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is bringing together law enforcement and online safety experts to help parents better understand the risks their children may be facing.

“Kids are growing up online and in a digital world that looks very different from the one many of us grew up in,” said Senator Harriss. “As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to keep up with new apps, social media and the risks that come with them. This event is about giving parents practical information, helping them recognize warning signs and making sure they know what they can do to help keep their kids safe online.”

Senator Harriss will host “Protecting Kids in a Digital World” on Tuesday, September 15, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Caseyville Village Hall, 909 S. Main Street. The free educational event will feature experts from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Illinois State Police.

Experts will discuss child exploitation tactics, cyberbullying and warning signs, privacy settings and parental controls, digital footprints, social media trends and emerging online risks. The discussion will also include information about local cases and real-world threats affecting communities in the area.

“Parents shouldn’t have to navigate these issues alone,” said Senator Harriss. “The more we know about what our kids are seeing and experiencing online, the better prepared we are to have those conversations and protect them.”

Senator Harriss has also made protecting children online a legislative priority, sponsoring and supporting measures to strengthen age verification requirements, address emerging risks from artificial intelligence, and crack down on online exploitation. She said she will continue working in Springfield to strengthen protections for children as technology and online threats continue to evolve.

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“Our parks and recreational spaces are an important part of what makes our communities great places to live and raise a family,” said Senator Harriss. “Fairview Heights has continued to invest in this space and expand the opportunities available for people of all ages. I’m proud to bring these dollars back to the community and help support that work.”

The funding will support entry signage to better identify the Fairview Heights REC Complex, which includes The REC, the Fieldhouse, an outdoor track, a dog park and other athletic facilities.

Mayor Mark said, “The City of Fairview Heights appreciates the continued support of Senator Harriss, along with our state legislators in securing grant funding for the City and our residents!”

The funding will also support an outdoor shelter near the track, providing a covered space for residents and visitors using the outdoor facilities.

“We see every day how many people use these facilities and programs,” said Fairview Heights Parks and Recreation Director Angela Beaston. “The new signage and shelter will be practical additions that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”

The site serves youth, adults and seniors from Fairview Heights as well as residents throughout St. Clair and Madison counties.

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“Our farmers play a pivotal role in our state’s economy and workforce,” said Senator Harriss. “Representing the Horseradish Capital of the World, along with some of the best transportation infrastructure through our rivers, roads and rail, puts the Metro East in a unique position to support agriculture and move Illinois products across the country and around the world. I’m proud to stand with the farmers and producers who help drive our economy and feed our communities.”

The Friend of Agriculture Award honors legislators in the 104th General Assembly who have demonstrated strong support for farming and agriculture. Recipients are recognized for understanding the far-reaching impact of Illinois agriculture and the essential role farmers play in providing quality food, fiber and fuel for Illinois and the world.

“Senator Harriss has consistently shown that she understands the importance of agriculture to our local communities and to Illinois as a whole,” said Madison County Farm Bureau Secretary Dennis Heepke. “She has been a strong supporter of the issues that matter to our farmers and producers, and we appreciate her willingness to listen and advocate for agriculture in Springfield.”

Senator Harriss was presented the award by Dennis Heepke alongside Senator Jason Plummer, Representative Amy Elik, Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer and Representative Charlie Meier.

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“Good roads are something our communities depend on every day,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to Pontoon Beach and help with improvements along Engineers Road.”

The funding will help the village complete needed road work while reducing the amount local taxpayers have to cover.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss working with us to bring these dollars back to Pontoon Beach,” said Mayor Mike Pagano. “Engineers Road sees a lot of traffic, and this funding will help us make needed improvements for our residents and everyone who travels through our community.”

Harriss said she will continue working with local leaders to identify projects and priorities throughout the 56th Senate District.

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“Roads and public safety are basic services our communities depend on every day,” said Senator Harriss. “I am proud to bring these dollars back to Alton and help the city move forward with these projects.”

Of the funding, $75,000 will support two road improvement projects in Alton. The city will receive $30,000 for improvements to Golf Road at Homer Adams Parkway, including resurfacing approximately 100 feet of pavement and replacing traffic signal detection loops.

Another $45,000 will support improvements at Madison Avenue and 20th Street, including the replacement of approximately 150 feet of concrete pavement and sidewalks.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss continuing to work with the City of Alton and helping bring additional resources into our community,” said Alton Mayor David Goins. “These improvements will help us address infrastructure needs and continue investing in our neighborhoods.”

Senator Harriss also secured $20,000 for the Alton Police Department to purchase new public safety and training equipment for officers.

“Having the right equipment is important for both officer safety and effective training,” said Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. “We appreciate Senator Harriss securing this funding and supporting our officers as they continue serving the Alton community.”

The funding is part of Senator Harriss’ continued effort to bring state resources back to communities throughout the 56th Senate District and support locally identified infrastructure and public safety needs.

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