A proposed law in the Illinois Senate could make it easier to catch criminals and the pawnshops that help them fence their stolen goods. Senator Don Harmon introduced the plan in response to a local incident where Oak Park Police worked together with Cash America pawnshop to locate stolen computers and jewelry in late 2013.

“I’ve heard from many Oak Park and Chicago residents who are concerned with the proliferation of pawnshops along North Avenue,” Harmon said. “I want to make sure that these pawnshops – or any others – aren’t helping criminals profit from theft.”

Under Harmon’s measure, pawnshops would be required to hold onto items for one week before selling them or releasing them back to the people who brought them in. This holding period would ensure local police have time to check pawnshops for stolen goods during burglary investigations. It also bans pawnshops from accepting items with missing or altered serial numbers.

In honor of American Hearth Month, state Senator Don Harmon joined his colleagues to spread awareness of heart disease in women.

Each year, one in three women's deaths is due to heart disease and stroke. However, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Women's heart attack warning signs can be different than men's. Women may experience nausea, jaw and neck pain or flu-like symptoms.

"More American women die from heart disease than any other cause," Harmon said. "I want to do my part to make sure the women in our communities know about the risks and what they can do to protect themselves."

State Sen. Don Harmon issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner's 2015 State of the State address:

"One of the points Gov. Rauner has hit home over the past few weeks is that the income of most Illinois families is too low. I'm not sure we agree on the solution, but we do agree on the problem.

"I'm pleased that the governor recognizes our tax system is antiquated. I hope that he will reconsider his support for an unfair flat tax and embrace instead our Fair Tax proposal. Lowering taxes for working families is one proven way to raise their take-home pay and standard of living.

"If we modernize our tax code to keep up with states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky, we can be more competitive for good-paying jobs and more compassionate for children and seniors."