Happy New Year from the Senate Democrats

On behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, I wish you a Happy New Year.

It is always a privilege to serve you as Senate President. I look forward to continuing to do so in 2022.

I hope you all enjoy time with loved ones during this holiday season.

Stay safe, and here’s to a happy and healthy new year.

Harmon statement on bipartisan infrastructure bill

OAK PARK – Senate President Don Harmon released the following statement today after President Joe Biden signed a historic investment in infrastructure:

“I look forward to the transformative projects Illinois will be able to begin as a result of this legislation. Every region of Illinois will benefit. We have the opportunity to modernize our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, improve public transportation, increase access to broadband Internet and further our commitment to green energy.”

Senate votes for clean energy

SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon’s statement on the Illinois Senate giving final approval to a sweeping climate and energy proposal.

“The threat to our planet is real.

Our goal all along was to enact reliable, renewable and affordable energy policies that position Illinois to lead the nation in combatting climate change and growing a green energy economy.

That is exactly what we are doing here today.

From the beginning, this has been a shared goal and I want to thank the Senate, House and governor’s team for all their work in putting this together.”

New Harmon law allows school districts with overlapping boundaries to share student data

SPRINGFIELD — A measure sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) to provide greater continuity of support for students from kindergarten through graduation is now law.

The new law allows elementary and high school districts with overlapping boundaries to share student information and records as long as there is an intergovernmental agreement in place.

“The inability of districts like Oak Park Elementary School District 97 to share this data has led to gaps in understanding of what works best for students,” Harmon said. “This law will help teachers, counselors and social workers meet the needs of the children they serve.”

The data to be shared can include basic academic and background information about students that is of relevance to their education.

“This data equity legislation, which aligns non-unit districts with the best practices of unit districts, will have a profound and lasting impact on the delivery of services to students in District 97, District 90, and District 200, as well as students statewide,” said Lou Anne Johannesson, a staff member of District 97. “We look forward to working with our partner districts on this issue as we continue working to deliver the best educational opportunities to our students.”  

Senate Bill 2434 is effective immediately.