SPRINGFIELD – A new law signed by the governor today will make it even easier and more convenient for citizens to vote in the upcoming general election. The law expands opportunities to vote early and to vote by mail. It also creates a one-year pilot program that allows grace period voting on Election Day.

“Voting is a right and a vital part of our country’s social and political fabric,” said State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), who sponsored the new law. “To encourage people to participate, we should be doing everything we can to make it easier to vote without weakening the integrity of the voting system.”

The new law is part of Senator Harmon’s continued efforts to bring Illinois’ voter registration laws into the 21st century by making it easier for citizens to register and to vote. Last year, he passed a law allowing Illinois citizens to register to vote online. That service is now available at https://ova.elections.il.gov/.

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SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law that takes effect today, the state of Illinois will invest $30 million in solar energy next year. This investment will likely create hundreds of new jobs, generate 15 megawatts of solar energy and reduce pollution.

“Increasing our investment in clean energy creates jobs, protects the environment and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels,” said State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), the law’s sponsor. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen wind energy take off in Illinois. I hope that this investment starts a similar revolution in solar energy.”

According to information from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Illinois has the second greatest solar energy potential in the Midwest.

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Statement from Senator Don Harmon (D - Oak Park) on the CTA Blue Line Modernization Plan:

Upon reading the article on CTA Blue Line station closures from today's Wednesday Journal, I contacted the CTA immediately, concerned that the future of the stations had been determined prematurely and without adequate community input.

I was heartened to learn that, in fact, the contrary is true.  The headline and story as printed this morning in the Wednesday Journal unfortunately are misleading.  Although the headline states that blue line entrances at East, Lombard and Circle “would be lost,”  the CTA clarified for me that, in fact, its own planners are against the idea of closing the second station entrances at those locations.  The CTA planners recognize that such steps reduce transit access.  While the idea of “compact”  design may be under discussion for other stops along the entire Blue Line that do NOT currently have two entrances, that idea is, at this point, not on the table for the stations mentioned.  I believe we need to explain this point more clearly to our constituents.

As you know, I have been following CTA blue line modernization plans very closely.  From the start, it has been my goal to work with the CTA, Oak Park, the City of Chicago and the surrounding communities, to expand and improve transit service and make much-needed improvements to the blue line stations.  Transit greatly benefits our community, helping us avoid traffic on the roadways, providing environmental benefits, and providing affordable transportation options for all households.  I remain vigilant and committed to improving transit facilities and ensuring continued access for Oak Park and other area riders.

Click here to add your name to Senator Harmon's petition in support of reliable and efficient public transit service in our communities.

To read more about the CTA Blue Line Modernization Plan, click here.

Gives psychologists limited prescription authority

SPRINGFIELD – A law signed by the governor today will help address Illinois’ shortage of mental health professionals. The law, sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), gives psychologists – under the careful supervision of doctors – the ability to prescribe some mental health medication.

“People who suffer from mental illnesses need treatment,” Harmon said. “They can’t always wait weeks or travel great distances. We have to do something to make mental health care more accessible in rural communities and lower-income neighborhoods.”

The new law, originally Senate Bill 2187, allows psychologists who are willing to undertake additional rigorous training to prescribe certain medications commonly used to treat mental illness, such as Prozac.

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