Thank you Governor Pritzker for presiding over our opening ceremonies.

One of these years, maybe, just maybe, we’ll have a normal Senate ceremony in our normal Senate chamber.

But probably not anytime soon.

The Senate seems to be pretty good at finding new and different ways to be different.

I am honored and humbled to receive the support of my colleagues to serve in this post.

Thank you.

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. JB Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon issued a joint statement in support of a sweeping assault weapons ban. The Senate passed the legislation Monday and the House is expected to put final approval on it Tuesday to send to the governor’s desk.

Joint statement from the three leaders:

“After continued negotiations between the leaders, stakeholders and advocates, we have reached a deal on one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the country. 

“Gun violence is an epidemic that is plaguing every corner of this state and the people of Illinois are demanding substantive action. With this legislation we are delivering on the promises Democrats have made and, together, we are making Illinois’ gun laws a model for the nation.” 

SPRINGFIELD -- Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement today after the Senate passed legislation clarifying certain portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act:

“Our goal when we passed the Pretrial Fairness Act nearly two years ago was to overhaul a broken criminal justice system, one in which dangerous people could buy their way out of jail while people accused of non-violent crimes remain detained as they await their day in court simply because they lack resources.

“The measure we passed today preserves that goal while providing clarifications to eliminate any misunderstandings and ensure the implementation of this groundbreaking reform is smooth.”

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate approved legislation Wednesday prohibiting the investment of state funds in Russia.

“The Illinois Senate joins the international community in denouncing Russian’s ongoing, unconscionable acts of aggression against the Ukrainian people,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat who sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

The proposed law would require the state to divest or withdraw any existing investments in Russian banks and companies and prohibit such investments going forward.

The Senate’s 50-0 approval on Wednesday sends the proposal (HB 1293) back to the Illinois House for final action.

What else it does:

• Requires state colleges and universities to disclose endowments and donations provided by Russian companies or sources subject to Russia-related sanctions.
• Requires the State Police to investigate property-related crimes involving individuals or companies sanctioned in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• Gives the Department of Human Services added authority to address Ukrainian refugee resettlement.
• Creates a task force to investigate vulnerabilities in the real estate sector that could facilitate Russian money laundering.
• Creates a task force to recommend state protections against possible Russian or other foreign interference in Illinois elections.

Dear neighbor,

Chances are you are one of the millions of Illinoisans set to receive direct financial relief as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan I was proud to support during the spring legislative session.

Good news: Rebates started to hit bank accounts the week of Sept. 12.

If you filed 2021 Illinois taxes, you may be eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.  

Additionally, if you paid property taxes in 2021 on your primary residence in 2020 – and you make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – you are eligible for up to $300. Your rebate will be equal to the property tax you were qualified to claim on your 2021 taxes.

If you filed taxes you will automatically receive your rebate – otherwise you have until Oct. 17 to do so.

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see if you qualify visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

To check the status of your rebate, click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” You will need to have your IL-PIN number to check the status. To find your IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

This direct relief will make a significant difference in the lives of people in every corner of our state. If you plan to use your rebate for leisure, I encourage you to shop small and support local.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 708-848-2002 or donharmon.org.

Best,

Don Harmon

Senate President, 39th District