Illinois State Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Edwardsville)
State Government: Elected Officials | Elected State Senators
Recent News About Illinois State Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Edwardsville)
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Sen. Harriss passes school AED bill
State Senator Erica Harriss passed legislation on April 10, 2024, to potentially help save lives by requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all school locations and events."While AEDs are already required under state law to be accessible at any physical fitness facility on public and private school premises, it only made sense to further extend the protection provided by AEDs to all extracurricular activities," said Senator Harriss.Senate Bill 3571, which was championed by Senator Harriss, mandates that automated external defibrillators...
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Sen. Harriss Hosts 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Diaper Drive in the 56th District
State Senator Erica Harriss has kicked off her 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Diaper Drive in the 56th District, following the success of last year's initiative. Senator Harriss expressed her excitement for the ongoing drive, stating, "After seeing how supportive the community was last year for my first Mother’s Day Diaper Drive, I am looking forward to partnering with Safe Families for Children Metro East Chapter to help area families once again."Acceptable donations for the drive include a variety of items such as diapers, pull-ups, underwear, socks, bottles, sippy cups,...
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State Senator Harriss Introduces Bill to Address Landfill Sludge and Debris Issues
State Senator Erica Harriss has filed and passed a bill out of committee aimed at tackling the ongoing trash and debris issues stemming from landfills in Madison and St. Clair counties.“It’s very clear there is a huge problem when it comes to the trash in and along our roadways,” said Senator Harriss. “Since the first day I took office, members of the Roxana and surrounding communities have been extremely proactive in voicing their opinions and helping me find solutions to help clean up our roadways from trash and debris from the landfill in the 56th District.”The...
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Senator Harriss to hold April traveling office hours
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has announced that she will be hosting a series of traveling office hours across the 56th District from Tuesday, April 2 to April 4, 2024.The traveling office hours for April will take place at various locations within the district on specific dates and times. According to the announcement, on Tuesday, April 2, Senator Harriss will be available at the Wood River Public Library from 10AM to 12PM and later at the Bethalto Public Library from 1PM to 3PM.On Wednesday, April 3, constituents can meet Senator Harriss at the...
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Sen. Harriss Welcomes Metro East High School Students to the Illinois State Capitol during her Spring Youth Advisory Council
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) recently hosted 45 students from 11 different high schools at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield as part of her Spring Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The Senator expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “This is a great opportunity to connect high school students with state government and is a highlight of my service as a state legislator.” She added, “I am thrilled to see so many high school students make the trip to Springfield for them to experience how things work and see the legislative process come to...
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Sen. Harriss’ District Office Giving Away Solar Eclipse Glasses
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has partnered with the Illinois Optometric Association to provide solar glasses for the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.“The solar eclipse is a rare occurrence and presents a unique opportunity for people across our state to witness history,” said Senator Harriss. “I want to especially thank the Illinois Optometric Association for their generosity in providing 1,000 solar eclipse glasses free of charge so residents in the 56th District can safely view the total eclipse on this monumental day.”Solar...
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Constitutional Amendment Proposed in Illinois to Ensure U.S. Citizenship Required for Voting
State Senator Terri Bryant has introduced Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14 (SJRCA 14) in Illinois, which aims to clarify that U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite for voting in any election in the state. The proposed amendment seeks to address concerns raised by recent proposals advocating for non-citizens to participate in local elections.The amendment filed by Senator Terri Bryant specifically targets the third article of the state constitution, with the intention of removing ambiguity surrounding voting eligibility. Bryant's proposal aims to make it...
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Senate Republicans Focus on Legislation to Protect Kids and Empower Parents
Senate Republicans have showcased their commitment to protecting children and supporting parental empowerment by highlighting two crucial bills. State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) introduced Senate Bill 2590, known as the Adult Content Age Verification Act. This bill aims to mandate pornography websites to verify users' ages before granting access to explicit content.In addressing the necessity of such legislation, Sen. Harriss emphasized the concerning impact of underage exposure to online pornography. She stated, "Leading health organizations, including the...
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March is Women’s History Month
The month of March is designated to acknowledge and commemorate the many great achievements made by women. This month-long celebration is also used to inspire and encourage the next generation of female history makers.In 1982, Congress requested that President Ronald Reagan declare Women’s History Week as the second week in March. The idea of expanding this to Women’s History Month was petitioned to Congress by the National Women’s History Alliance in 1987.Lottie Holman O’Neill, a Republican, was the first woman elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1922. She...
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Attorney General Lists Top 10 Most Frequent Scams Illinoisans Fell Victim to in 2023
The Illinois Attorney General’s office has revealed the top 10 most frequent scams that Illinois residents fell victim to in 2023. According to the office, home improvement repairs, identity theft, and consumer debt were the leading categories of scams faced by Illinoisans last year. In a consistent trend, home repairs have claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year.One notable issue highlighted by the Attorney General's office was related to home improvement scams, with contractors often failing to complete jobs after receiving a down payment. Regarding identity...
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Experts Emphasize Importance of Reading as March Kicks Off National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month, a time dedicated to promoting daily reading among Americans of all ages. The decision to designate March as National Reading Month stems from a desire to honor the birthday of Dr. Seuss, a beloved author of children's stories.Experts highlight the significance of reading comprehension in educational and professional development, noting that regular reading can enhance memory, cognitive abilities, and vocabulary. They stress the importance of initiatives like National Reading Month, particularly as youth reading scores are on the decline...
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Senator Harriss to Begin Spring Traveling Office Hours
State Senator Erica Harriss of the 56th District in Glen Carbon has announced the launch of spring traveling office hours set to take place from March 5 to March 7, 2024. Senator Harriss expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "Whether you need help addressing a state issue, want to voice your opinion on a specific issue or even just drop by to say hi, this is a great opportunity to do so."The traveling office hours schedule for March includes stops at various locations within the district:- Tuesday, March 5, 2024: - Wood River Public Library, 326 E...
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Senator Harriss spreads love through Valentines For Seniors Card Drive
State Senator Erica Harriss of the 56th District organized a Valentines for Seniors Card Drive on Valentines Day, with the aim of spreading love and joy to seniors in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care facilities. The initiative received overwhelming support from various community groups, including church organizations, local groups, and schools, who contributed their time and creativity in making homemade cards.Reflecting on the success of the card drive, Senator Harriss expressed her gratitude to all those who participated, stating,...
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Senator Harriss announces grant money for local park and recreation projects
State Senator Erica Harriss has announced that two communities in the 56th District will receive $1 million in grant funding for park and recreation projects. The funding comes from the state's Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Senator Harriss expressed her excitement about the investments in parks and recreation facilities, stating, "The Metro East has a rich history of connecting people to nature and it's exciting to see these new investments in our parks and recreation...
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Senate Republicans Convince Gov. Pritzker to Pause Budget Cuts for Developmentally Disabled
Senate Republicans have successfully convinced the Illinois Department of Human Services to halt proposed budget cuts for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) community. The Pritzker administration's plan to reduce funding would have resulted in a significant decrease in the number of hours Direct Support Professionals (DSP) could provide services in group homes, impacting approximately 10,000 adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.The proposed cuts, which would have amounted to a reduction of nearly $90 million dollars, raised concerns...
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Task Force Looks to Highlight Underground Railroad History in Illinois
The Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force, established by Senate Bill 1623, is working to create a comprehensive history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Comprised of members from the Illinois State Historical Society, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and several lawmakers, the task force aims to develop a statewide plan that connects existing local projects and creates a cohesive narrative of the Underground Railroad's role in Illinois.The task force's main objective is to not only document the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois but...
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Sen. Harriss Releases Statement on Local Judge Appointment
State Senator Erica Harriss has expressed her joy and support for the appointment of Judge Amy Sholar to the 5th District of the Appellate Court of Illinois. In a statement released on Thursday, Senator Harriss stated, "I am thrilled to learn that Madison County Circuit Judge Amy Sholar has been appointed to the 5th District of the Appellate Court of Illinois. I believe her extensive legal expertise and knowledge uniquely qualify her for this distinguished role."Judge Amy Sholar's appointment to the Appellate Court of Illinois has been met with praise from Senator...
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IDNR Seeking Summer Instructors for 2024 Urban Fishing Program Clinics
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has recently announced that it is seeking applications for instructors for the 2024 summer fishing clinics through the department's Urban Fishing Program. Established in 1985, the Illinois Urban Fishing Program aims to educate people of all ages about fishing, improve local fishing opportunities, and foster a greater appreciation for natural resources.The fishing instructors play a vital role in the program by conducting free clinics in communities across Illinois. These temporary positions, which do not exceed six...
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Illinois Sets Record for Cannabis Sales as Market Expands
Illinois experienced a remarkable surge in recreational cannabis sales in 2023, reaching a record-breaking $1.63 billion in sales. While sales to out-of-state residents witnessed a decline due to the growing number of states legalizing cannabis, sales to Illinois residents saw a notable increase of 14%. This resulted in a 7% overall increase in retail cannabis sales, generating an impressive $417.6 million in cannabis sales tax revenue.The state of Illinois has seen a consistent growth in recreational cannabis sales since its legalization in 2020. However, Illinois faces...
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Sen. Harriss Launches Annual "Valentines for Seniors" Card Drive
State Senator Erica Harriss is calling on the community to participate in her annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive, which aims to bring joy and support to area seniors. The initiative, running until February 5, 2024, encourages individuals and groups to create homemade cards that will be distributed to nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care facilities in the 56th Senate District.Expressing her motivation behind the card drive, Senator Harriss stated, "I want to make sure these residents don't feel unloved or forgotten about on a day...