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.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve legislation that will raise the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour:

“Working wages have not kept up with inflation over the past several decades. The ‘American dream’ of being able to provide for a family by working 40 hours a week is not a reality with the current minimum wage.

“I am proud that Illinois is now a leader in ensuring the hard-working families in our state earn a living wage.”

Senate Bill 1 passed the Senate 39-18 and heads to the House for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – The Oak Park Park District will receive $400,000 to renovate Stevenson Park, State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced today.

The money comes from a grant that is part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program is providing more than $28 million to support 87 park projects across the state.

“Our parks are a wonderful resource, accessible to everyone in our communities,” Harmon said. “I am proud of all of the vibrant park districts in the 39th District and glad the Oak Park Park District has secured state support to continue its commitment to serve the people of Oak Park.”

The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has invested $419.4 million in 1,765 local park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.

For more information about Stevenson Park, visit www.pdop.org.

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning today, Jan. 31, the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program will begin accepting patients, allowing patients over the age of 21 prescribed opioids temporary access to medical cannabis as an alternative treatment.

The program was created by Senate Bill 336, the Alternatives to Opioids Act, sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and signed into law in August 2018.

“Medical cannabis is proven to be a safe, effective alternative to treat conditions for which opioids are often prescribed,” Harmon said. “I am hopeful that this program will help stem the tide of the devastating opioid crisis in our state.”

Under the program, patients will obtain a physician’s certification that they have a condition for which an opioid could be prescribed. They may then take that to a dispensary to receive medical cannabis for a fixed period of time.

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s rules regulating the program can be found on their website at www.dph.illinois.gov.