New Harmon law creates parole option for youthful offenders

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) that will reinstate parole in Illinois for youthful offenders became law today.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed Harmon’s measure allowing offenders who were sentenced for offenses committed under the age of 21 to petition the Prisoner Review Board for parole after serving 20 years for homicide or aggravated criminal assault and 10 years for all other offenses.

“The policy of locking youthful offenders away for decades without meaningful opportunity for release has disproportionately impacted minority communities,” Harmon said. “The facts show that young offenders are extremely unlikely to commit violent crimes again after release. This law will give them a chance to reenter society once they have served the time for their offense.”

Those convicted of predatory criminal assault or sentenced to natural life imprisonment for first degree murder would not be eligible for parole.

Illinois does not currently allow prisoners to petition for parole, but rather implements mandatory supervised release after they have completed their sentence.

House Bill 531 takes effect immediately.

Harmon: Fair tax protects working families

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement this afternoon in response to Gov. Pritzker’s fair tax proposal that was released earlier today:  

“Updating our state’s antiquated tax structure is long overdue. A fair tax like that proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker today will protect working families while still giving us the resources we need to invest in our state. The majority of Illinoisans support a fair tax, and the governor’s proposal is a great first step toward that goal. I look forward to working with him to pass the legislation necessary to put the question on the ballot in 2020.”

Harmon encouraged by governor’s support of graduated income tax

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his first budget address on Wednesday:

“With our state still billions of dollars in debt, it is refreshing to hear our governor highlight what’s good in Illinois and propose a budget that continues our path toward stability.

“I am especially encouraged by the governor’s support for a fair income tax. Our current flat tax is antiquated and gives us little ability to enact the kind of long-term change needed to pay our bills and reduce the tax burden on the majority of Illinoisans.

“Illinois’ financial issues will not be solved in one year or by one person, but I am committed to working with Gov. Pritzker to continue our effort to restore stability to our state.”

Harmon praises years of work to pass minimum wage increase

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) praised his colleague Senator Kimberly Lightford and advocates for their years of hard work as Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation into law that will raise the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 per hour by 2025.

“Working wages have not kept up with inflation in our state or around the country, and I am thankful to Senator Lightford and the advocates who spent years fighting for a wage increase.” Harmon said. “I am glad Illinois is a leader in the Midwest on this issue, but we must keep fighting for dignity and stability for workers.”

Senate Bill 1 will gradually raise the minimum wage from the current $8.25 per hour to $15 per hour by 2025.

The new law represents a compromise with business groups and includes a payroll tax credit to assist employers in implementing the wage increase.

Senate Bill 1 takes effect immediately.