SPRINGFIELD – After representing the people of Oak Park and the state of Illinois for more than 17 years, Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) looks forward to serving as the 39^th Senate president, and thanks his colleagues for recognizing his legislative accomplishments and for believing in his ability to lead the chamber.

“The Senate is a collection of diverse views and diverse experiences but consistent purpose—to best represent the citizens who send us to the Capitol, to collaborate, to compromise, and to create better opportunities, better outcomes, and greater faith in the honor and integrity of our state,” President Harmon said.

Senate President Harmon was first elected to the Senate in the fall of 2002, and has since promoted a progressive agenda based on his commitment to social justice and public service. In 2011, former-Senate President John Cullerton appointed him president pro tempore, offering Harmon a key role in shaping policy and moving legislation through the Senate.

Notable legislation spearheaded by Senate President Harmon include the Preschool for All Program to expand access to preschool opportunities for thousands of Illinois families, a law to make same-day voter registration a permanent option, and the Fair Tax constitutional amendment to allow Illinois to vote to replace the current flat income tax with a fairer, more equitable and efficient approach to lower tax rates for lower income levels.

“The work now begins in earnest,” President Harmon said. “I look forward to joining together with Governor Pritzker and leaders in both chambers as we work to change the trajectory of our state and set a better course for our future.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The rising price of insulin has forced more and more Illinoisans to make a choice between putting food on their family’s table and purchasing medication they need to survive.

State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) praised his colleague State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) for working tirelessly to cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

Harmon co-sponsored Senate Bill 667, which passed the Senate and is headed to the full House for consideration.

“If you have diabetes, insulin is not optional, and no one should have to worry about how they will afford their next prescription,” Harmon said. “I am proud to have sponsored this bill, which will put fewer people’s lives at risk through rationing their supply or seeking a lower quality option.”

About 1.3 million adults in Illinois have diabetes – 12.5% of the state’s population – according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Those people are forced to pay approximately $475 monthly on insulin, the Health Care Cost Institute reports.

“As lawmakers, we are responsible for prioritizing the health and well-being of all residents of Illinois,” Harmon said. “The passage of this measure is a step in the right direction to help thousands of people in need. I urge the members of the House to support SB 667.”

If passed by the House and signed by the governor, who previously pledged his support of the measure, Illinois will be the second state in the country to cap out-of-pocket prices.

ELMWOOD PARK – The Elmwood Park Public Library is the recipient of a $12,500 mentoring grant from the Illinois Secretary of State, State Senator Don Harmon announced.

The grant was awarded through the Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

Elmwood Park is one of 29 public libraries in the state to receive the grant.

“Public libraries are great resources for our communities, and I appreciate that the Secretary of State continues to support them,” Harmon (D-Oak Park) said. “The resources made available through this grant will help young people build the skills and confidence they need to prepare for college or their future careers.”

In all, the Secretary of State awarded more than $464,000 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

“I am committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “I established this innovative program when I first became secretary of state to give students an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest technological tools at their local library.”

For more information, visit https://ilsendems.co/2GtOQzP.

SPRINGFIELD – Local law enforcement officers will be prevented from acting as deputized immigration enforcement agents under a new law signed today.

State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) sponsored the Keep Illinois Families Together Act in the Senate. The law will prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies and officers from entering into or remaining in an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to enforce federal immigration law.

“With the toxic rhetoric surrounding immigration coming from the White House, people in my district are scared,” Harmon said. “This legislation takes a small step toward easing that fear by making sure they feel comfortable seeking assistance from police or reporting crimes.”

This law builds on the Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from detaining someone solely on the basis of their immigration status.

House Bill 1637 is effective immediately.