President Harmon marks two years of decline in Chicago gun violence

On February 1, Senate President Harmon spoke to a broad partnership of government, business, civic, religious and neighborhood groups about putting resources to work in designated communities to save lives and end violence.

The event marked two years of double-digit declines in shootings in Chicago.

Video of the event and the full text of Harmon's remarks as prepared are below.

 

Good morning, all.

Thank you for the invitation to come here today and learn about the amazing strides you’re making to eradicate gun violence in our communities.

It is inspiring to see a group of such dedicated volunteers and advocates.

Our fight to end community gun violence has no easy answers and no quick solutions.

It can feel thankless at times.

Much attention is given to mass shootings, especially when they touch communities less familiar with gun violence, but Chicago deals with mass shootings every week – just not on the same sidewalk or street corner.

The carnage is just as devastating.

Thanks to the work of organizations like yours, though, it is lessening bit by bit.

We’re here today to recognize two years in a row of double-digit declines in shootings.

That number looks good on paper, but it’s more than just that. It’s dozens of parents, siblings and friends who still have someone in their lives who otherwise might have been taken from them by gun violence.

Progress like this is only possible when we work together and take a holistic approach to solving the problem.

Community groups, religious leaders, lawmakers and business owners must all collaborate, because gun violence impacts every corner of this city and state.

The Senate Democrats remain committed to supporting programs to reduce violence and improve outcomes, not only, for youth, but for all Illinois residents.

That’s what spurred the General Assembly to pass the Reimagine Public Safety Act several years ago.

We wanted to direct funding and resources to community members, because community members a know best what underlying concerns fuel the violence epidemic.

We will continue to prioritize and fight for resources at the state level.

But we also know that it takes more than resources from Springfield to solve this problem.

And that is what makes this effort, this group so special – the dedication from civic groups to go neighborhood by neighborhood to reclaim communities.

Together we will make a difference.

Together we will make things better.

In closing, I want to offer my sincerest thanks to all of you for your bravery, dedication and selflessness.

It can be hard to see in the midst of the daily struggle, but we are making progress.

It took 16 years and multiple failures to pass legislation requiring gun dealer registration.

Building on that success, a recent law banning the manufacture and sale of assault weapons had a much easier path to the governor’s desk.

We are headed in the right direction.

For that, I thank you. Keep up the good work.  

Harmon moves to ban deceptive marketing of firearms

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) passed legislation today prohibiting firearms manufacturers and sellers from marketing weapons to children and from promoting illegal militia activity.

The measure also makes it illegal for any firearms dealer to knowingly create a condition that endangers public safety. Examples of such situations include failure to prevent the sale of a firearm to a straw purchaser and failure to ensure that business practices comply with all local, state and federal laws. 

“At its core, this is to protect consumers and prevent firearms companies from marketing to children and promoting illegal militia activities,” Harmon said. “It also ensures that firearms manufacturers are not shielded from liability when their actions compromise public safety. These are reasonable, manageable steps we can take to help curb the scourge of gun violence in our state.” 

House Bill 218 passed the Senate 34-22.

Illinois Senate names GOP committee co-chairs in effort to foster bipartisanship

SPRINGFIELD -- Two Illinois Senate committees will be co-chaired by Republicans in a move that harkens back decades to a time when Republicans and Democrats more often worked together to recognize shared goals and achieve them.

“I appreciate Leader Curran reaching out with this idea. At one point in our not-so-distant history this was a common practice in the Senate. I think we both hope that it will foster bipartisan cooperation on how we can best meet the needs of people all across our great state,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

Sen. Dale Fowler, a Republican from Harrisburg, will serve as co-chair on the Senate Higher Education Committee. Sen. Michael Halpin, a Rock Island Democrat is the committee chair, and Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Chicago Democrat, is the vice chair.

Sen. Sally Turner, a Republican from Beason, will serve as the co-chair on the Senate State Government Committee. Sen. Patrick Joyce, a Democrat from the Kankakee area, is the chair, and Sen. Willie Preston, a Democrat from Chicago, is the vice chair.

Read more: Illinois Senate names GOP committee co-chairs in effort to foster bipartisanship

Senate President Harmon: Responsible state budgets produce opportunity to invest in our children, future

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s statement on the budget plan unveiled Wednesday by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“We have labored for years to build a solid, stable fiscal foundation for the state of Illinois. Because of those responsible decisions, we find ourselves in the position to be able to invest in our future and do so in a way that can make a real difference.

“I applaud the governor for starting this conversation and for setting priorities that hopefully can bring people together in bipartisan support.

“From enrolling more children in early education programs, to keeping our promise to fund K-12 schools, to getting back to investing in higher education opportunities and devoting resources to address the growing problem of homelessness, there’s a lot to like in this budget.

“Senate Democrats look forward to the opportunity to explore it in greater detail in the weeks and months ahead.”