House Bill 3392 updates the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act by improving the admission process for new residents, modernizing care standards, and strengthening accountability for facilities.

“Assisted living facilities care for some of our most vulnerable citizens, and it’s important our laws reflect today’s standards of care,” said Senator Tracy. “These updates provide greater clarity for providers, strengthen oversight, and help ensure residents receive the care they need from the moment they are admitted.”

The law requires every resident to receive a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial assessment before admission by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It also updates qualification requirements for assisted living directors, requires dementia and Alzheimer’s assessments to be approved by qualified medical professionals with geriatric experience, recognizes current medication administration practices, and strengthens enforcement for facilities with repeated compliance violations.

“When a family makes the difficult decision to move a loved one into assisted living, they deserve to know every precaution has been taken to ensure they’re receiving the care that’s right for them,” said Senator Harriss. “This law strengthens that process by making sure residents are properly evaluated before admission while updating standards that help facilities provide safe, quality care.”

The legislation was signed into law Friday and takes effect January 1, 2027.

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Senate Bill 2770 expands Illinois’ first responder mental health coverage to include coroners, deputy coroners, medical examiners, and deputy medical examiners. The new law allows these professionals to receive mental health counseling without deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket costs.

“Our coroners and medical examiners answer the call on some of the most difficult days imaginable,” said Senator Harriss. “They witness tragedy firsthand, and the emotional impact of that work cannot be ignored. This law ensures they have access to the mental health support they deserve so they can continue serving their communities.”

Madison County Coroner Nick Novacich praised the legislation and Senator Harriss’s leadership.

“Most people never see what coroners experience over the course of a career,” said Novacich. “There are calls and cases that stay with you for the rest of your life. The cumulative effects of responding to fatal accidents, suicides, homicides, and unexpected deaths can take a significant emotional toll. This legislation recognizes those realities and ensures coroners have access to the mental health support they need. I appreciate Senator Harriss for helping make this important legislation a reality.”

In addition to coroners and medical examiners, the law provides these mental health benefits to police officers, correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, EMS personnel, public safety telecommunicators, and crisis response mental health professionals.

The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

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“Today, we honored a young man who left home to serve his country and never had the chance to come home again,” said Representative Elik. “Tommy Miller was only 19 years old when he gave his life protecting his fellow Marines. While we can never repay that sacrifice, we can make sure his name and his story are never forgotten. I hope every person who sees these signs takes a moment to remember the hometown hero who gave everything for our freedom. It was an honor to stand with the Miller family as we dedicated this highway in Tommy’s memory.”

Earlier this year, Representative Elik and Senator Harriss successfully passed House Joint Resolution 6, designating the stretch of Route 140 in honor of Corporal Tommy N. Miller.

The ceremony, held at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, brought together the Miller family, veterans organizations, and members of the community to unveil the new highway signs and reflect on Cpl. Miller’s extraordinary courage and selfless service.

“It was incredibly moving to see our community come together to honor Corporal Miller and the sacrifice he made for our country,” said Senator Harriss. “This highway will serve as a lasting reminder that freedom is never free. Tommy’s courage, selflessness, and devotion to his fellow Marines continue to inspire us, and I hope his legacy lives on for generations to come through this memorial.”

While serving as a radio operator at Fire Support Base Russell in Quang Tri Province on February 25, 1969, Cpl. Miller repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to restore communications and rescue fellow Marines trapped beneath debris during a North Vietnamese assault. As he worked to free his comrades, he was mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. His heroic actions helped repel the attack and earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” the Purple Heart, and numerous other military honors.

Cpl. Miller is also honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his name is inscribed on Panel 31W, Line 53.

Representative Elik and Senator Harriss thanked the Miller family, local veterans organizations, community leaders, and everyone who attended the dedication ceremony to honor the life and legacy of Corporal Tommy N. Miller.

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House Bill 2137 requires local governments, counties, and municipalities that already maintain a public website to post information directing residents to where audit reports and financial statements can be accessed through the Illinois Comptroller’s Office.

“Taxpayers have a right to know how their local governments are managing public dollars,” said Senator Harriss. “These financial reports are already publicly available, but many people simply don’t know where to find them. This law makes government more transparent by ensuring residents have easy access to important financial information while placing only a minimal responsibility on local governments that already maintain a website.”

House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same eligibility requirements as their first set.

“Our veterans have earned this recognition through their service and sacrifice,” said Representative Schmidt. “Many veterans own more than one qualifying vehicle, and this law gives them the opportunity to display the military license plates they have earned on a second vehicle. It’s a simple but meaningful way to continue honoring those who have served our country.”

Both measures received bipartisan support in the General Assembly before being signed into law Friday. House Bill 2137 takes effect January 1, 2027, and House Bill 4385 takes effect immediately.

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“When local governments spend your tax dollars, you deserve a system that’s efficient and accountable,” said Senator Harriss. “This law gives local taxing districts a modern option for filing their budgets to cut down on paperwork delays and create a clear, verified record every time a document is submitted. It’s a common-sense update that makes local government work better for the people who fund it.”

Senate Bill 2102 allows taxing districts to electronically file budgets, appropriation ordinances, and revenue estimates with county clerks. The legislation also requires county clerks to acknowledge receipt of electronically submitted documents, creating a clear record that filing requirements have been met.

The measure was developed in partnership with the Illinois Association of Park Districts and gives local taxing districts the option to file electronically while maintaining existing filing requirements.

“As a CPA, I understand the importance of keeping accurate records while finding ways to work more efficiently,” said Representative Elik. “This law accomplishes both. It gives local governments the flexibility to file electronically while ensuring county clerks acknowledge receipt of those documents. It’s a practical update that simply makes sense.”

Senate Bill 2102 does not require electronic filing but gives local taxing districts the flexibility to use it if they choose. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

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Electric bills keep climbing, and years of flawed energy policy in Springfield are a big reason why. That’s part of why these notices are getting so much attention right now.

So let’s break down what municipal electric aggregation actually is.

It’s a program where your city or village negotiates the electricity supply part of your bill on behalf of residents and small businesses. By buying electricity in bulk, the community tries to lock in a better rate for everyone who takes part.

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: in most towns with an aggregation program, you’re automatically enrolled unless you opt out.

That’s why the letter matters. If you’re happy staying in the program, you don’t have to do anything. If it’s not right for your household, follow the opt-out instructions in your notice. One more thing worth knowing: even though the notice lists a deadline, you can actually opt out at any point during the program with no penalty. If you opt out, you’ll automatically move to the utility’s standard supply program, called Basic Generation Service, for 12 months.

No matter who supplies your electricity, your delivery doesn’t change. Ameren still runs the power lines, fixes outages, and sends your bill. The only thing that changes is who you’re buying the electricity itself from.

So what should you do? Do a little homework.

Compare your community’s aggregation rate to Ameren’s current supply rate, called the “Price to Compare,” at PlugIn.Illinois.gov. Right now Ameren’s rate is 11.326 cents through September 30, and it’s expected to drop to around 9-10 cents from October through May 2027.

Read what came with your notice. Know the terms, and note the opt-out deadline if you plan to leave. A community-sponsored program isn’t automatically the cheapest option, but it isn’t automatically the worst one either. It depends on the rates and what works for your household.

Municipal aggregation can help some families save on their electric bill, but it’s not a fix for Illinois’ bigger energy problems. Families shouldn’t have to shop around just to find an affordable bill in the first place. We need energy policy that prioritizes reliability and affordability from the start.

Here’s the bigger picture. Our region relies on a power grid that spans several states, and for several years now, downstate Illinois has been importing more electricity than it produces here at home. I’ll keep working with my colleagues in Springfield to fix the policies driving up energy costs and to build an energy future that actually works for Illinois families.

In the meantime, don’t ignore the notice. Whether you stay in your community’s program or opt out, take a few minutes to understand your options. It could save you money.

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The Ceremony will highlight Cpl. Miller’s heroic actions and unveil the highway signs that will stand along Route 140. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Zion Lutheran Church, 625 Church Drive, Bethalto

Cpl. Tommy Neal Miller was born on July 19, 1949 and was raised in Meadowbrook near Bethalto in Madison County. Cpl. Miller enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War; he began his tour of duty on June 10, 1968. His military specialty was mortarman, and he was attached to Echo Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division.

While serving as a radio operator on the morning of February 25, 1969 at Fire Support Base Russell in Quang Tri Province in South Vietnam, under assault by a large North Vietnamese Army sappers unit, Cpl. Miller unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain in search of an undamaged radio; after locating operable equipment, he again exposed himself to hostile fire to assist the commanding officer with restoring communications; he then went to the aid of his fellow Marines to free them from entrapment in debris. As Cpl. Miller attempted to free his comrades, he was mortally wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade.

Cpl. Miller’s heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed greatly to repelling the enemy’s assault. Cpl. Miller’s commendations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

Cpl. Miller is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC; his name is inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 31w, Line 53. Like so many who gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave up many years of their lives, Cpl. Miller will forever be 19.

The post Community Invited to Road Naming Dedication Ceremony for “Cpl. Tommy N. Miller Memorial Highway” appeared first on Erica Harriss.

“Our first responders answer the call every day without hesitation, and they deserve the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Harriss. “When Chief Dankenbring shared the department’s need for a new ambulance, I knew it was an investment that could help save lives. I’m proud to help deliver the resources our first responders need to continue serving the people of Maryville.”

The ceremony included the remarks from local leaders and the formal presentation of the ambulance by Senator Harriss to Chief Doug Dankenbring on behalf of the Maryville Village Fire Department.

“This new ambulance is a tremendous investment in our department and in the people we serve,” said Chief Dankenbring. “Reliable equipment is essential to providing quality emergency care, and this ambulance will help us continue responding quickly and safely when our community needs us. We appreciate Senator Harriss’ advocacy and the support from the State of Illinois that helped make this possible.”

Following a blessing by Pastor Jeff Chamberlain and Chaplain Bill Dempsey, the ambulance was officially commissioned and placed into service. Senator Harriss, Mayor Wayne White, firefighters, EMS personnel, and special guests then participated in the department’s traditional Push-In Ceremony, symbolizing the ambulance’s readiness to serve the Maryville community.

“This new ambulance is an investment in the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Mayor White. “We are grateful for Senator Harriss’ partnership and advocacy in securing this funding. This investment strengthens our emergency response capabilities and ensures our firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs have the equipment they need to continue providing exceptional service to our community.”

Ambulance 2241 will provide the Maryville Village Fire Department with reliable, modern equipment to respond to medical emergencies and continue delivering high-quality care to residents for years to come.

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The contest invited students in 1st through 8th grade from across the 56th Senate District to create artwork inspired by what makes America special to them. Students submitted thoughtful and creative pieces celebrating the people, places, and symbols that make our country unique.

Bethany’s winning entry featured a hand drawn picture of the Statue of Liberty, one of America’s most recognizable symbols of freedom.

“I loved seeing the creativity and imagination that students put into their artwork,” said Senator Harriss. “Bethany’s drawing of the Statue of Liberty is a wonderful reminder of the freedoms we celebrate as our nation marks this historic milestone. Thank you to every student who took the time to participate.”

Bethany’s artwork will be framed and displayed at Senator Harriss’ district office in Edwardsville.

Senator Harriss would like to thank the students, parents, teachers, and schools who participated in the contest and helped make it a success.

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Across the Metro East, the conversations I have with constituents are remarkably consistent. Families are paying more for groceries, housing, electricity, insurance, and property taxes. Small business owners are working to keep up with rising operating costs. Seniors on fixed incomes are wondering how much longer they can afford to stay in the homes they’ve spent decades paying off. At a time when affordability is the number one concern for so many Illinoisans, this year’s state budget represented a missed opportunity to address that.

Instead of prioritizing tax relief and fiscal discipline, the state adopted a $56 billion budget, the largest in Illinois history. State spending has grown by nearly 40 percent since Governor Pritzker took office, yet many of the financial pressures facing working families have only intensified. Rather than asking taxpayers to shoulder even more, state government should be asking whether record spending is producing record results.

Unfortunately, this budget continues to rely on approximately $800 million in new taxes, fees, fund sweeps, and other revenue enhancements to support another year of increased spending. Families in Illinois continue to pay some of the highest state and local taxes in the nation, yet property tax relief remains elusive. Instead of returning money to taxpayers, the budget swept approximately $150 million in surplus sales tax revenue generated by higher gas prices into new government spending rather than providing relief to Illinois drivers. Those decisions reflect priorities, and I believe Illinois families deserved different ones.

Just as concerning as the budget itself was the process used to pass it. Nearly 3,700 pages were pushed through at 3 a.m. on June 1, with no time for lawmakers or the public to actually read what was in it. During those late-night negotiations, the majority party accidentally appropriated a $500,250,000,000 appropriation to a Chicago-based organization, and no one caught the mistake before the House and Senate voted. The Illinois General Assembly voted on a state budget that contained a $500 billion error. If that doesn’t demonstrate what’s wrong with the way Springfield passes budgets, I don’t know what does. When decisions this big are rushed through behind closed doors, in the wee hours of the morning, it raises real questions about transparency and accountability in the government process.

Even with record spending, many of the state’s most important responsibilities remain unfinished. School transportation reimbursements continue to be significantly underfunded, shifting costs to local school districts and, ultimately, local property taxpayers. Families across downstate Illinois are also facing dramatically higher electricity costs, placing additional strain on household budgets that are already stretched thin. If Illinois can afford another record budget, it should also be able to meet its core obligations and provide relief to the taxpayers who make that spending possible.

Responsible budgeting isn’t about spending the most money possible, it’s about making thoughtful decisions that reflect the priorities of the people we serve. Families expect government to exercise the same discipline they practice around their own kitchen tables.

Throughout this legislative session, I remained focused on practical, bipartisan solutions that make a difference close to home. I was proud to pass legislation supporting veterans, increasing transparency in government, strengthening protections for nursing home residents, improving mental health awareness through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and helping local governments better serve their communities. Those bills demonstrate that progress is possible when we focus on solving problems rather than simply growing government.

Illinois families deserve a state government that recognizes the financial pressures they’re under and responds accordingly. They deserve a budget that reflects fiscal responsibility and a commitment to making Illinois a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. That should be our focus, not simply setting another spending record.

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