Metro East Sun

State Senator Erica Harriss announced her participation in the Women in Technology Task Force through a Facebook post on December 12. She said, "Data tells us this will be an industry which will continue to experience explosive growth."

"It's an honor to be chosen for this important work," said Harriss, Illinois State Senator (R), according to Facebook. "Data tells us this will be an industry which will continue to experience explosive growth, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn more, and help Illinois become a destination for development in this sector."

According to the State of Illinois’ webpage, the Women in Technology Task Force is tasked with collecting data on recruitment, advancement, and retention of women in technology positions. The task force will evaluate data concerning these areas and women in management roles. It aims to set goals for recruitment, advancement, and retention of women in technology and management positions; identify best practices; and recommend government policies to encourage companies to recruit, advance, and retain women in these fields. Additionally, it is responsible for developing a plan to create an oversight body that will track progress annually.

Screenshot of State Senator Erica Harriss' Dec. 12 Facebook post | State Senator Erica Harriss' Facebook page

In her Facebook post, Harriss shared a link to a news release providing further details. The task force comprises 20 members and was established following the passage of Senate Bill 2682. Meetings are scheduled to begin in early 2026 and will occur quarterly. An annual report must be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly each December, with a comprehensive report due by December 1, 2028. The Act creating the task force is set for repeal on January 1, 2030.

Senate Bill 2682 was initially filed by Senator Laura Ellman from the 21st Senate District on January 10, 2024. It passed the Senate on April 12 and moved to the House on April 15. The bill cleared both houses by May 26 and was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on August 9. It is slated to take effect on January 25.

Harriss was elected as the representative for the people of the 56th Senate District in 2022 and began her term in 2023. Her political career includes six years on the Madison County Board representing the people of the 26th District where she served as Chair of the Personnel Committee and participated in several other committees including Finance, Government Operations, and Grants Committees. She is also a business owner and alumna of Edwards High School and Southern Illinois University with a degree in speech communications/public relations.