Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) was among the members of Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to be publicly acknowledged by President Barack Obama during his speech to the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday in Springfield.

Obama noted Illinois' role as a progressive leader in the nation – championing matters of diversity, the working class and voting access – and challenged the state to keep it up. The president offered a shout out to Harmon regarding his recent efforts to allow same-day voter registration.

"Thanks to the good work of my dear friend, Senator Don Harmon, and many of you, there's a new law going into effect this year that will allow Illinoisans to register and vote at the polls on Election Day," Obama said. "It expands early voting – something that makes it a lot easier for working folks and busy parents to go vote."

Harmon was lead sponsor of Senate Bill 172, which expanded same-day voter registration in Illinois. It was the latest effort by Harmon to modernize the voting system in Illinois and make it easier for people to participate in elections.

Harmon said he is thrilled that President Obama considers voter participation a key component of improving American government.

"I think he put forth a plan for what could be a real turning point for the American body politic. I look forward to being part of this important conversation,” Harmon said.

• Read President Obama's speech or watch it here.

(Photo: Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus pose for a photo with President Barack Obama, a former Democratic Illinois state senator, prior to his speech at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016.)