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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Illinois Recreational Trail Projects Awarded $3.7 Million
Illinois residents can look forward to improved recreational trails in their neighborhoods, thanks to the recent announcement of $3.7 million in funding. The funds will be allocated to various trail development projects across the state, aiming to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation facilities.The Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, an advisory board under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, recommended the funding for 19 designated projects. These projects will receive up to 80 percent reimbursement for their trail development costs, including...
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Illinois Introduces Income Tax Credit for Volunteer Emergency Workers
Illinois has announced a new initiative to support its volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Starting next year, eligible volunteers will be able to receive a $500 non-refundable income tax credit to assist with the costs of training and equipment.According to the state's guidelines, a volunteer emergency worker is defined as someone who serves as a member, excluding full-time career positions, of a fire department, fire protection district, or fire protection association that holds a State Fire Marshal Identification Number issued by the Office...
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Navigating Holiday Decor Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association
As the holiday season approaches, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall is urging caution when it comes to decorating with candles and lights. With families across the state decking their halls with festive décor, it is important to prioritize safety to prevent any fire-related incidents.The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall offers some essential tips to ensure a fire-safe holiday season. They recommend using flame-retardant or flame-resistant decorations and keeping lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire. It is crucial to...
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Senator Harriss releases statement on potential sale of US Steel
State Senator Erica Harriss has issued a statement regarding the recent announcement and potential sale of US Steel to Nippon Steel Corporation. In her statement, Senator Harriss expresses her concern for the impact of this potential sale on the steelworkers in Granite City.Senator Harriss emphasizes the importance of job preservation and states, "For me, the question of whether this potential sale is good news or not, will come down to whether it will allow Granite City steelworkers to keep their jobs." She acknowledges the uncertainty faced by the community in the past...
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Senator Harriss announces new state library grant recipients
State Senator Erica Harriss has announced the approval of more than $22,000 in state-sponsored library grants for public school libraries in the 56th District. These grants aim to support educational and research opportunities for students in the district.Senator Harriss expressed her enthusiasm for the funding, stating, "Our school libraries are incredibly important for educational and research opportunities for our students. I am thrilled to see schools across the 56th District receiving grant funding to further expand and modernize local libraries that serve as...
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Illinois Invests Additional $13 Million to Boost Job Training and Economic Development
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced a new investment of $13 million in the state's Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). This program aims to provide workforce training and support services to help Illinois residents facing employment challenges.The second round of the JTED program will focus on individuals who are underemployed, unemployed, or underrepresented in the workforce. This includes at-risk youth who face barriers to employment, as well as immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and...
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New Form Allows Reporting of Public Corruption in Illinois
Illinois residents now have a new avenue to report instances of public corruption directly to the Illinois State Police (ISP). The ISP's Special Investigations Unit has developed a form specifically designed for reporting suspected corruption by public officials at the state, county, and local levels.The creation of this form is a significant step in the fight against public corruption in Illinois. By providing a centralized and accessible platform for reporting allegations of wrongdoing, the ISP aims to streamline the process and eliminate confusion about which agency to...
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Illinois Launches New Grant Program to Support Businesses Affected by the Pandemic
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced a new grant program aimed at providing financial relief to businesses that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, called the Illinois B2B NewBiz grant, is specifically designed to assist industries that were severely impacted by the pandemic and have not been eligible for state or federal emergency support.According to the DCEO, the Illinois B2B NewBiz grant program became available on November 30, 2023. Business owners who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for grants of...
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Senator Harriss Stands with Workers, Community in Granite City
State Senator Erica Harriss expressed her concern and support for the workers and community of Granite City following the news of US Steel's decision to idle steelmaking, resulting in mass layoffs in the Metro East region. In a statement, Senator Harriss acknowledged the devastating impact of the closures and layoffs, emphasizing that these losses go beyond mere jobs.Quoting Senator Harriss, she stated, "The news of the closures and layoffs is devastating for our steelworkers, our families, and our entire community. As a granddaughter of a US Steel worker, I understand...
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Senator Harris Teams Up with Meridian Health to Giveaway 150 Turkey/Hams
State Senator Erica Harriss partnered with the Crisis Food Center and Meridian Illinois on Tuesday to distribute 150 turkeys and hams ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The distribution event aimed to provide assistance to individuals in need during this festive season."Thanksgiving is a time to extend our blessings beyond our tables and lend a helping hand to those in need," remarked Senator Harriss. "By teaming up with Meridian and the Crisis Food Center, we were able to identify individuals across the area who could benefit from our distribution event."Senator...
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Legislation Passes to Deal with Licensing Delays in Illinois
State Senator Jason Plummer and Senator Erica Harriss have announced the passage of HB 2394 in the Illinois Senate, aimed at addressing the persistent issue of licensing delays at the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).In a joint statement, Senator Plummer and Senator Harriss expressed their concern over the long-standing problem of delays at the IDFPR, which has led to a significant backlog of individuals awaiting licensure and certification to be able to work. They highlighted that outdated systems within the agency were contributing to...
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Illinois communities set Trick-or-Treating hours
Illinois communities have announced their Trick-or-Treating hours for this year's Halloween festivities. Residents are encouraged to check their city or village's official website for specific details, and if not available, to contact their local municipality for information on dates and times.The National Safety Council has provided some important safety tips for Trick-or-Treaters. It is advised that all costumes, wigs, and accessories be fire-resistant to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, if children are allowed to go out after dark, it is recommended to...