“Whether you’re taking the kids to the playground, enjoying the walking trails or spending an afternoon at the lake, Drost Park has something for everyone,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to work with Mayor White and the Village to help make this improvement possible for the families who enjoy the park.”

The funding will help the Village construct a new restroom facility as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain and improve Drost Park.

“We take a lot of pride in our parks here in Maryville, and Drost Park is certainly one of our most popular,” said Maryville Mayor Wayne White. “These improvements are important to our residents, and we appreciate Senator Harriss helping us secure the funding to get this project done.”

The announcement marks another investment in Maryville secured by Senator Harriss. In July, she joined Mayor White and local first responders to officially commission a new ambulance for the Maryville Village Fire Department, made possible through $330,000 in state funding she helped secure.

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure improvements and community organizations throughout the Metro East.

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“Illinois retirees have spent their careers serving our state, and now they’re being put in a position where they could lose access to specialty services and doctors they’ve trusted for years. The State of Illinois offers these retirees only one insurance option, yet that coverage may no longer include some of the region’s largest healthcare providers. That’s unacceptable. The state, Aetna and BJC need to come to the table and find a solution. Our retirees should not be left paying the price.”

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But behind every healthcare decision is a person. A senior managing several prescriptions. A parent worried about a child’s diagnosis. A family trusting a nursing home to care for someone they love.

These are the people I think about when considering healthcare legislation in Springfield.

As a mother of three and your State Senator, I believe families deserve access to affordable, quality healthcare, and I have worked to advance legislation that addresses these concerns.

One of those efforts was the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, which I supported back in 2025. This legislation addresses unfair practices that can drive up prescription drug costs and provides funding to help local pharmacies here at home.

For many Illinois residents, especially seniors, their local pharmacy is where they turn for medications, and help managing their health. We need to make sure those services remain available.

I’ve also supported legislation to eliminate certain state taxes on prescription medications and medical devices used in cancer treatment. When someone is already facing a serious illness, Springfield shouldn’t be making their treatment more expensive.

And when it comes to childhood cancer, I believe we can do more.

This year, I introduced legislation to create the Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund to support research and treatment for children battling cancer. No parent should have to watch their child go through something like that, and I believe we should be doing everything we can to help these families.

Another area I’ve focused on is protecting seniors and vulnerable residents.

Working alongside State Representative Amy Elik, I helped pass legislation that will require nursing homes to promptly report serious injuries involving residents. Families deserve to know that when something happens to a loved one, it will be properly reported.

I also supported legislation requiring assisted living facilities to have emergency plans in place that consider the individual needs of their residents. Whether it’s a fire, severe weather or another emergency, families should have confidence that their loved ones are being protected.

Mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare.

I helped pass legislation to make information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline more accessible at local pharmacies, helping individuals and families find support when they need it most.

I also supported expanding mental health counseling insurance protections for coroners, medical examiners and their deputies. These individuals face difficult situations in their jobs, and they deserve access to the same kind of care and support as our first responders.

And in smaller communities, where emergency medical services often face staffing challenges, I sponsored legislation giving smaller, rural ambulance services more flexibility to staff their emergency crews to continue serving their communities.

These are different pieces of legislation, but they all come back to the same thing: making healthcare more affordable, protecting patients and making sure families have access to the care they need.

I know there is still plenty of work ahead. Healthcare costs remain too high, and too many families are struggling to navigate insurance coverage, medical bills and finding quality care.

We need to keep listening to patients, families and healthcare professionals about what’s working, what isn’t and where we can do better.

I believe there is a lot we can accomplish when we work together and focus on the issues that matter to the people we represent.

Because whether it’s a child battling cancer, a senior trying to afford medication or a family concerned about a loved one’s care, healthcare is personal.

And every Illinois family deserves to know we’re working to make it more affordable and accessible.

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“Our first responders are there for us when we need them most, and it’s important they have the equipment and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to bring these dollars back to O’Fallon to support the men and women who work every day to protect our community.”

The funding will help the City of O’Fallon purchase updated equipment to strengthen emergency response capabilities and support the delivery of emergency medical services to residents.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss securing this funding for O’Fallon,” said Mayor Eric Van Hook. “Ensuring our first responders have the resources they need is an important part of keeping our community safe. This investment will further strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies and serve our residents.”

O’Fallon-Shiloh EMS Chief Jeremy Sherman emphasized the importance of having reliable equipment available when responding to emergencies.

“When someone calls 911, they depend on us to be ready,” said Chief Sherman. “This funding will help ensure our crews have the tools necessary to provide timely, effective care. We appreciate Senator Harriss recognizing the needs of our EMS personnel and supporting the services we provide to our community.”

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure improvements and social service agencies throughout the Metro East.

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“Keeping our local roads maintained is important for the residents and businesses who use them every day,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we could work with the City of Madison to bring these resources back home and help address local infrastructure needs.”

The $20,000 investment will support capital improvements along McCasland Avenue from McNair Avenue to Farrish Street, helping the City continue its efforts to maintain and improve local roadways.

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding to support first responders, infrastructure improvements and social service organizations across the Metro East.

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“This is one of my very favorite events that we host each year,” said Senator Harriss. “We bring students together from high schools all across the district to hear from some great speakers, learn more about government and meet students from other communities. It’s always exciting to hear their ideas and see them get involved.”

Senator Harriss’ Youth Advisory Council is a two-part program. During the fall session, students hear from guest speakers and work in small groups to develop legislative proposals. Students vote on their bill ideas and return in the spring to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, where they participate in a mock legislative process and debate their proposals.

Throughout the day, students heard from guest speakers who shared their experiences and insights on leadership, public service and professional development.

“I like learning about what’s actually happening in our world right now, especially around the U.S. and Illinois,” said Lawdin Warren, a junior at Granite City High School. “Senator Harriss was really nice, and she helped a lot of us learn about what she does. I really appreciate the opportunity.”

“I was taking notes and asking tons of questions because I was genuinely curious about where everybody’s mindset was,” said Kiersten Keyhea, a junior at Granite City High School. “I think it’s really nice to see people come together and share with the youth what they’ve experienced and what they’ve learned.”

“My table has about seven people, and they’re all from different schools,” said Corrine Smalley, a junior at Collinsville High School. “We’re getting to share our opinions on different issues, and it’s nice to hear from everybody and what they have to say.”

“Be consistent. Have integrity. Keep doing things that might seem uncomfortable and challenge yourself,” said Leymar Gray, a senior at Alton High School. “I learned a lot of good life lessons that can genuinely help us, especially as students.”

During the spring session, students will take on different roles in the legislative process, including lawmakers, lobbyists, advocates and members of the media, to debate their proposed legislation in a mock committee hearing at the Capitol.

Harriss said she hopes students leave the experience knowing they can make a difference in their communities.

“Sometimes we hear students say they think they’re too young to make a difference, and I hope a day like today shows them otherwise,” said Senator Harriss. “They have great ideas, and their voices deserve to be heard. I’m looking forward to seeing them in Springfield this spring.”

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“Senior Services Plus provides important programs and services that so many people in our community depend on,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to secure this funding to help make their facility more accessible and comfortable for those they serve.”

The funding will support renovations to the facility’s bathrooms to improve accessibility for seniors and individuals who utilize the organization’s programs and services.

“We are grateful to Senator Erica Harriss for securing this $64,000 investment to support ADA renovations to our bathrooms at Senior Services Plus,” said Theresa Collins, CEO and Executive Director of Senior Services Plus. “Accessibility is essential to ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors can access our programs and services with dignity, comfort, and independence. These improvements will help us continue creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for the older adults and individuals we serve throughout our community. We appreciate Senator Harriss’s commitment to bringing resources to our area and supporting organizations like Senior Services Plus that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding to support first responders, infrastructure improvements and social service organizations across the Metro East.

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“Local parks are an important part of our communities, especially for families with young children,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to bring these dollars back to Caseyville and help the Village invest in a space families can enjoy.”

The funding will support the purchase of new playground equipment and help the Village continue updating recreational spaces for residents.

“This is a great investment for Caseyville and for the families who use our parks,” said Village President Kent Luebbers. “We appreciate Senator Harriss helping bring these resources back to our community and supporting a project that will benefit our residents.”

Joe Clark, Foreman of Streets, Parks and Buildings for the Village of Caseyville, said the funding will help the Village make meaningful updates to its park facilities.

“New playground equipment is something our families and kids will be able to see and enjoy right here in Caseyville,” said Clark. “We appreciate the support and look forward to getting this project moving.”

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure projects and social service agencies across the Metro East.

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“Having the right equipment available locally helps our communities take care of road needs more efficiently and make taxpayer dollars go further,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to bring this funding back to South Roxana and support the Village as they work to maintain local roads and provide reliable services for residents.”

The cold planer attachment will allow the Village to remove worn or damaged pavement as part of road repair and maintenance projects.

“This funding will help us add an important piece of equipment that our crews can put to work right away in South Roxana,” said South Roxana Mayor TJ Callahan. “We appreciate Senator Harriss helping secure these resources for our community and supporting our efforts to maintain our local streets.”

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure projects and social service agencies across the Metro East.

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Nearly 80 green ash trees surrounding the interpretive center and picnic area were recently removed after becoming dead or severely distressed.

“This site is an important part of our region’s history, and we want to make sure it remains a place families and visitors can enjoy for years to come,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding will help restore much of what was lost and bring new life back to the grounds.”

The funding will help replace roughly two thirds of the previous tree population while adding a greater variety of trees to the site.

“Removing nearly 80 trees left a significant void around the interpretive center and picnic area,” said Site Superintendent Brad Winn. “This support will allow us to restore much of that tree population while adding greater diversity to the site. We appreciate Senator Harriss and our community partners for helping make this project possible.”

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, where members of the Corps of Discovery prepared for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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