SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon announced Friday he has asked colleagues to negotiate compromise legislation to transition Chicago Public Schools to a fully elected school board.

Here is President Harmon’s statement:

“I am fully committed to passing legislation this year to move to an elected, representative Chicago school board.

In order to set this in motion, I have asked the sponsors of the key proposals to sit down and come up with a plan that will guide this transition to a new era of leadership at Chicago Public Schools.

My recommendation is that these negotiations focus on starting with a fair, representative hybrid board composed of elected and appointed members that would ensure a reasonable and orderly transition to a fully elected school board.

Everyone involved in this issue has the best interests of the students, families, teachers and taxpayers at heart. If all are willing to compromise, I am confident that we are close to resolution.

I look forward to putting a plan to get us to a fully elected school board on the governor’s desk this session.”

SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement regarding the Derek Chauvin verdict.

“George Floyd’s murder reignited the fight for justice across this country in the never-ending hope that someday justice might be found.

This verdict will not undo the tragedy and suffering.

But it should serve as a historic marker in our ongoing work to build a just and equal society.”

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon welcomed news of expanded vaccine access and plans to re-open the state’s economy.

“We’ve made it to this point thanks to modern science and the personal sacrifices of people all across this state. You’ve followed the rules and kept each other safe until a vaccine was widely available. Thank you.

“I urge everyone to remain patient and vigilant as we head into what is hopefully the final phase of this horrible pandemic.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after Congress passed a $1.9 trillion federal COVID relief package: 

“I am glad to see the Biden administration recognize the need states and local governments have for relief in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

“The funds Illinois is receiving will help us distribute vaccines, support local health departments, safely reopen schools and provide direct relief to the hardest hit families.

“This package gets us one step closer to ending the pandemic and addressing the economic pain it caused.

“I am grateful to Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and the members of the Illinois congressional delegation who supported this legislation.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement on Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget:

“This proposal is a good-faith effort by the governor to both recognize our state’s financial realities and honor our commitments and priorities.

“Coming out of this pandemic, we need to get people back to work. Our first priority with any tax incentive needs to be jobs for hardworking Illinoisans.

“So, I think it’s fair to ask what the hardworking taxpayers of Illinois are getting in return for these corporate tax breaks. It’s entirely appropriate to put some of these incentives under the microscope to see what works and get rid of what doesn’t.

“Senate Democrats, however, are always interested in finding resources for education. I suspect this year will be no different.”