Dear Friends,

Earlier today, the General Assembly wrapped up our annual session to consider the governor’s vetoes and any pressing issues that developed over the summer. I wanted to give you a quick update on some of the more significant developments.

Same day voter registration made permanent
Last year, I passed a law creating a pilot program to allow people to register to vote or update their voting addresses on Election Day. It was a resounding success. Some same day voter registration sites had lines out the door. This week, we passed my plan to make it permanent.

The legislation also permanently extends early voting, gives the state more resources to keep its voter rolls clean and to prevent voter fraud, addresses concerns raised by the recent treasurer’s election (one of the closest in state history), and makes it easier for college students to vote.

I believe that anything we can do that encourages people to vote strengthens our democracy, so I have been working to update and modernize our election laws. Last year, I passed a law to allow people to register to vote online. This effort to make early voting and Election Day registration permanent is another important step in that process.

Minimum wage
On Election Day, we asked voters if we should raise Illinois’ minimum wage to at least $10 per hour by January 1. They overwhelmingly told us yes. Statewide, 67% of voters favored raising the wage. In our area, that number was more than 80%. Given this mandate from the people, we knew it was important to take action. The Senate passed legislation to raise the wage, though it faces an uncertain future in the Illinois House of Representatives.

New retirement savings options
We also passed legislation to create a first-of-its-kind program to help private sector workers save for retirement. The Secure Choice Savings Plan would offer portable plans similar to 401ks to workers who don’t have access to retirement plans through their employers. Program participants can choose how much of their paychecks to contribute and can opt out of the program at any time. Learn more about this important new retirement program by reading this article from Crain’s Chicago Business.

Sincerely,

Senator Don Harmon
39th District – Illinois

Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you to a senior resource fair at the Addison Park District Community Center on Friday, October 24 that I am sponsoring with State Representative Kathleen Willis. There will be many free resources available. Though the event will be especially helpful for seniors, anyone is welcome to attend. I also encourage you to let your friends and neighbors know about this free event.

When: Friday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Addison Park District Community Center, 120 E. Oak St., Addison

Services available:

• On-site DMV services from the Secretary of State's Office, including driver's license renewal, state ID sign up and renewal, and license plate sticker sales
• Flu shots from Walgreens (insurance required, Medicare or cash payment accepted)
• Free health screenings and disease prevention, including diabetes education
• Information about recent scams and frauds targeted at seniors from the Attorney General's Office
• I-Cash services from the Treasurer's Office, an opportunity to see if you have unclaimed property held by the state
• Senior recreation and wellness programming information
• Other state and local government services

If you have any questions, feel free to call my district office at 708-848-2002 or send me an email.

Sincerely,

Senator Don Harmon
39th District – Illinois

Dear Friends,

This Saturday, September 6th, I am hosting a Mortgage Relief Prevention Workshop with State Representative Kathleen Willis. We will be partnering with the Mortgage Relief Project to provide information and resources that can help homeowners take advantage of programs to adjust their mortgages, avoid foreclosure and keep their homes. Please join us at Triton College, 2000 5th Avenue, Building B, River Grove from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration ends at noon).

On Tuesday, September 16th, I am hosting a Property Tax Appeal Workshop with Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers, Jr. and Oak Park Township Assessor Ali ElSaffar. You must file an appeal by September 25, 2014 to appeal the 2014 assessed valuations (for property taxes that will be due in 2015). Please attend for guidance and information on the process and for help filing an appeal. This meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Oak Park Township Meeting Room, 130 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park.

Lastly, please save the date of Friday, October 24th, for a Senior Health Fair in Addison that I am co-sponsoring with the Addison Park District and other area organizations.

I hope this information is helpful to you. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email or contact my Constituent Service Office at 708-848-2002.

Sincerely,

Senator Don Harmon
39th District – Illinois