President Harmon statement on passing of former CTU President Karen Lewis

OAK PARK - Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after former CTU President Karen Lewis passed away:

"I cherished Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and skilled leader. She was one of a kind, dedicated to her core to challenging and changing lives and communities. We are indebted to her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and forever missed."

Newly re-elected Senate President Harmon calls for lawmakers to focus on “jobs and justice”

SPRINGFIELD —  Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon was re-elected President of the Illinois Senate on Wednesday, promising to continue delivering results for the people of Illinois and calling on his colleagues to focus on “jobs and justice” in the year ahead.

“It’s about making sure our people aren’t forgotten by our economy, or caught up in the cogs of the system to be lost forever,” Harmon said during the Senate’s COVID-19 restricted inauguration ceremony at the state Capitol. “Every day in this state, too many people wake up feeling like the deck has been stacked against them.”

Harmon, 54, was first elected Senate President a year ago to serve out the term of the retiring John Cullerton. On Wednesday, Harmon’s Democratic colleagues re-elected him. In a move to show Senate bipartisanship, Harmon voted for Republican Leader Dan McConchie, and McConchie voted for Harmon.

In his inauguration speech, Harmon urged senators to set aside political differences, recognize the need for change and work together to achieve it.

“This chamber consists of 59 very different people from 59 very different districts. Those differences should be celebrated and utilized to produce better results, not used as an excuse to divide us,” Harmon said. “I vow to do my part to help bridge divides and change the tone of our politics. I hope you will all do the same.”

Wednesday was the first day of the 102^nd session of the Illinois General Assembly. Gov. JB Pritzker presided over the Illinois Senate ceremony. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the ceremony was scaled back dramatically and lawmakers took the oath of office in waves rather than all 59 senators in the Senate chamber at once.

Harmon’s term as president, which is his first full term, runs for two years.

Senate President Harmon statement on success of Black Caucus agenda

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after the General Assembly passed sweeping legislation championed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to address systemic racism:

“In a system purposefully and permanently designed to contain all but incremental change, we have accomplished something sweeping in scope and dramatic in impact.

“The members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, working with the Latino Caucus, led the way in developing a package of legislation that attacks the root of the racism that is systemically embedded in every aspect of our lives.

“The children in this state are not receiving equitable education. The same economic opportunities are not truly available to all people. And far, far too many Black and brown men, women and children have died at the hands of those who were meant to protect them.

Read more: Senate President Harmon statement on success of Black Caucus agenda

Harmon announces capital grant for Oak Park museum

OAK PARK, Ill. – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced Pleasant Home in Oak Park will receive a $421,500 grant for its geothermal project.

“Pleasant Home is a beautiful piece of living history in our community and a shining example of the stunning architectural landmarks in Oak Park,” Harmon said. “Investments in our cultural institutions will help preserve these gems for years to come.”

Pleasant Home will use the funds to install a geothermal system that will provide much-needed air conditioning to the 123-year-old National Historic Landmark. 

“The Park District of Oak Park is thrilled to be awarded a State of Illinois Museum Grant,” said Jan Arnold, Executive Director for the Park District of Oak Park. “By adding air conditioning, the park district will be able to preserve Pleasant Home’s interiors while allowing us to increase programming, special events and tours in the summer for guests locally and internationally.”

The grant is part of the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, funded by the historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan that Harmon supported through the Senate in 2019.

The state awarded $22.8 million in capital investments to 43 Illinois museums with this round of grants.

More information on the program is available on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/Museum-Capital-Grants.aspx.