“Across our district, families are working hard to keep up with rising costs. Every month brings new challenges as people make careful decisions about how to stretch their paychecks. They deserve a state government that approaches their tax dollars with the same level of responsibility.

“I had hoped this budget would reflect that discipline and care. Unfortunately, it does not.

“This is the largest budget in state history, continuing a pattern of spending growth that has outpaced what many Illinois families have seen in their own household budgets. At a time when people are already feeling the strain of inflation, rising energy costs, and property taxes that climb year-after-year, this plan fails to provide meaningful relief.

“A budget that truly puts affordability first would have started with the everyday pressures facing families, seniors, and small businesses. Instead, this plan asks taxpayers to shoulder the burden of even more government spending.

“I voted no because I’m standing with the people I serve. They deserve a government that respects their hard work, lives within its means, and puts their family’s stability at the center of every decision.”

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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.

“Taxpayers deserve easy access to information about how their local governments are operating financially,” said Senator Harriss. “This bill strengthens transparency and public confidence by making important financial reports easier for citizens to find and review.”

The General Assembly also passed House Bill 4385, which allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same terms as the first set.

“This legislation is a simple way to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Representative Schmidt. “Many veterans own more than one qualifying vehicle, and this bill ensures they can extend that recognition to a second vehicle.”

Both bills now head to the governor’s desk for consideration.

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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 reflecting on what makes America and their communities special.

“This contest is a fun way for students to share their creativity and celebrate the story of our country,” said Senator Harriss. “I can’t wait to see the creative ideas students from across the district come up with as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday together.”

Students are encouraged to create artwork inspired by what makes America special to them, including their communities, state symbols, freedom, nature, landmarks, farming, voting, and more.

Contest guidelines include:
• Open to 1st–8th grade students attending schools within the 56th Senate District
• Artwork must not exceed 8 x 10 inches
• Acceptable media include markers, oil pastels, and mixed media
• Each submission must include the student’s name, school name, and art teacher’s name

Artwork submissions are due by June 18, and winners will be selected on July 4. Winning artwork will be framed and displayed at Senator Harriss’ District Office.

Artwork may be submitted by email to pbuente@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed/dropped off at the district office located at: 120 North Main Street, Suite 1B, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

For questions or to confirm participation, contact Paige Buente at pbuente@sgop.ilga.gov or call 618-307-5789.

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“Helping residents recover money that rightfully belongs to them is one of the most rewarding services we can provide,” said Senator Harriss. “These events are about connecting people with resources and helping them through the process. It was exciting to see a local resident discover such a significant amount of money was owed to them.”

Hosted in partnership with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, the event gave residents the opportunity to search for and file claims for unclaimed property through the state’s ICASH program.

“During my time as State Treasurer, we have taken a lot of steps to fix our state’s unclaimed property program and put money back in people’s pockets where it belongs,” said Treasurer Michael Frerichs. “Our approach has been to work together with the state legislature to run a different kind of government office that uses technology and other tools to fight for the people of Illinois.”

Since 2015, the Illinois Treasurer’s Office has returned more than $2.5 billion in unclaimed property to Illinois residents and organizations. Unclaimed property may include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, utility deposits, stocks, or the contents of safe deposit boxes.

“Many people are surprised to learn they may have unclaimed funds waiting for them,” said Senator Tracy. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to search the ICASH database because you never know what you might find.”

Residents who were unable to attend the Alton event can still search for unclaimed property online by visiting www.illinoistreasurer.gov/ICASH.

The post Sen. Harriss and Sen. Tracy Help Resident Recover Nearly $100K in Unclaimed Property at ICASH Event Monday appeared first on Erica Harriss.

“The response from the community was incredible,” said Senator Harriss. “Seeing my office filled with donations and knowing these items will help local moms and children means so much. I’m truly grateful to everyone who took the time to give and help support families in need.”

Community members donated diapers, wipes, pull ups, bottles, hygiene products, toothbrushes, socks, and other everyday essentials for families caring for young children.

Representatives from Safe Families for Children Metro East said the donations will make an immediate difference for the families they serve.

“Support like this means so much to the families we serve,” said Ellen Mossman, Chapter Director of Safe Families for Children Metro East. “These donations help meet everyday needs for moms and children, and we are incredibly thankful to Senator Harriss and everyone in the community who helped make this drive such a success.”

Senator Harriss said the success of the drive reflects the compassion and generosity of the Metro East community.

“These are simple items that make a big difference for families,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m so thankful for everyone who came together to support local moms and children this Mother’s Day.”

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“These Traveling Office Hours are an important way for my team to stay connected with the communities we serve,” said Senator Harriss. “Whether you need help navigating a state agency or simply want to share your thoughts, we are here to listen and assist.”

During these events, district office staff will be available to help individuals and businesses access state services, answer questions, and gather feedback on state issues and legislation.

Traveling Office Hours for May are scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Wood River Public Library
326 E. Ferguson Ave, Wood River
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Bethalto Public Library
321 S. Prairie St, Bethalto
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Fairview Heights Library
10017 Bunkum Rd, Fairview Heights
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Collinsville Memorial Public Library
408 W. Main St, Collinsville
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Hayner Public Library
326 Belle St, Alton
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

East Alton Library
250 Washington Ave, East Alton
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Senator Harriss will be in Springfield for the legislative session but looks forward to meeting with constituents any time in her district office. Appointments are necessary to ensure availability.  She encourages residents to stop by and take advantage of these convenient, local opportunities to engage with her office.

“Our goal is to make state government as accessible and responsive as possible,” said Senator Harriss. “These events allow my office to meet people where they are and ensure their voices are heard.”

For more information about Traveling Office Hours, residents can call Senator Harriss’ district office at (618) 307-5789. Individuals who are unable to attend may also visit the district office located at 120 N. Main Street, Suite 1B in Edwardsville.

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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
When: Monday, May 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Valley Library District, 408 West Main Street Collinsville, IL 62234

ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

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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, Senator Jil Tracy, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
When: Monday, May 11, 2026, from 12:00PM-4:00PM
Where: Hayner Public Library at Alton Square Mall 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL 62002

ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

The post Senator Harriss and Senator Tracy to Host ICASH Event in Alton appeared first on Erica Harriss.

The legislative package is designed to put stronger safeguards in place for children in the digital space by restricting harmful online access, increasing accountability for tech companies, and improving social media algorithms.

“Kids today are growing up in a digital world that is moving faster than our laws have kept up, and for too long, we have allowed that gap to exist,” said Sen. Rezin. “We have a responsibility to step in, set clear expectations, and make sure the online spaces our children are using every day are safe and built with their well-being in mind.”

Among the proposals included in the package is Senate Bill 4046, sponsored by Sen. Rezin, to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16 by requiring platforms to implement age assurance measures. The proposal is intended to address growing concerns about the harmful effects social media can have on children’s mental health, development, and overall well-being.

Sen. Rezin is also sponsoring legislation focused on improving how social media platforms operate. Senate Bill 3454, the Better Social Media Feeds Act, would require companies to disclose how their algorithms recommend content, including the data inputs used to shape what users see. The bill also directs platforms to prioritize long-term user well-being over engagement-driven design and gives users more control over their content preferences. The measure is intended to increase transparency and reduce exposure to harmful content.

The legislative package also includes the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, Senate Bill 3241, which is sponsored by Sen. Rezin, requiring companies that collect children’s personal data in Illinois to prioritize the best interests of minors over commercial gain. The bill would establish stronger privacy protections by default, limit data collection, and restrict profiling and targeted advertising aimed at children. It would also require businesses to conduct data protection impact assessments and provide them to the Attorney General upon request. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $7,500 per affected child.

“We know social media is having a real impact on our kids, from mental health challenges to exposure to harmful content,” Rezin said. “While many believe the answer is to fix these platforms, and I agree, we also have to be honest that if meaningful changes are not made, we cannot simply stand by and do nothing. Everything has to be on the table when it comes to protecting children.”

As part of the package, Harriss is sponsoring the Adult Content Age Verification Act, Senate Bill 3945, to require websites containing adult content to verify that users are at least 18 years old through government-issued identification or other approved methods. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $5,000 per day, with penalties directed to support child cybercrime investigations.

“Parents are doing everything they can to protect their children, but too often they are up against an online environment with few real safeguards,” said Sen. Harriss. “If a business is profiting from explicit material, it should take reasonable steps to ensure that minors cannot access it. This is a commonsense step that puts children first and gives families more support in navigating today’s digital world.”

Sen. Harriss said the broader package represents an effort to give parents more support and ensure children are not left vulnerable online.

“The internet is more accessible, more pervasive, and in many ways more dangerous for young people than ever before,” Sen. Harriss said. “These proposals are about creating reasonable guardrails, protecting children from harmful and exploitative content, and making sure Illinois is taking meaningful action to keep kids safe online.”

The senators discussed the legislative package as part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen protections for children and families across Illinois.

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Beginning May 1, reservations for campsites and shelters will transition to an updated platform through ExploreMoreIL, the customer service portal used by IDNR. While customers will continue to use the same website, they will notice an upgraded interface and improved tools for making reservations and securing permits.

To accommodate the transition, electronic reservations will be unavailable from April 27 through April 30. During that period, neither customers nor staff will be able to access the online reservation system. However, walk-up reservations at campgrounds will still be available as space allows.

IDNR said existing reservations will automatically transfer to the new platform. Customers will need to use the same email address connected to their current reservation to access those bookings, and all users will need to create a new account and password once the updated system goes live.

Existing customers should watch their inbox for an email from IDNR with additional instructions about how to access the new system.

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