ELMWOOD PARK – The Elmwood Park Public Library is the recipient of a $12,500 mentoring grant from the Illinois Secretary of State, State Senator Don Harmon announced.

The grant was awarded through the Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

Elmwood Park is one of 29 public libraries in the state to receive the grant.

“Public libraries are great resources for our communities, and I appreciate that the Secretary of State continues to support them,” Harmon (D-Oak Park) said. “The resources made available through this grant will help young people build the skills and confidence they need to prepare for college or their future careers.”

In all, the Secretary of State awarded more than $464,000 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

“I am committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “I established this innovative program when I first became secretary of state to give students an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest technological tools at their local library.”

For more information, visit https://ilsendems.co/2GtOQzP.

SPRINGFIELD – Local law enforcement officers will be prevented from acting as deputized immigration enforcement agents under a new law signed today.

State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) sponsored the Keep Illinois Families Together Act in the Senate. The law will prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies and officers from entering into or remaining in an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to enforce federal immigration law.

“With the toxic rhetoric surrounding immigration coming from the White House, people in my district are scared,” Harmon said. “This legislation takes a small step toward easing that fear by making sure they feel comfortable seeking assistance from police or reporting crimes.”

This law builds on the Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from detaining someone solely on the basis of their immigration status.

House Bill 1637 is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) voted today for a responsible, bipartisan, balanced budget that keeps Illinois on its path to stability while funding much-needed programs for middle-class and working families.

“This is a responsible and balanced while funding vital programs,” Harmon said. “We are continuing to honor our commitment to ending the chaos of past years and moving toward stability for our state.”

The approved budget appropriates $375 million in additional funding for K-12 education, $25 million more than required by the evidence-based school funding formula. It also includes $50 million in new funding for early childhood education programs and expands eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program.

Human service providers that are still struggling to recover from the previous governor’s budget crisis will receive millions in funding, from domestic violence shelters to early intervention programs.

The budget also gives a long-awaited raise to home health care workers. Those who care for seniors and individuals with disabilities are set to receive an increase of approximately $3.50 per hour.

The budget package now heads to the governor for approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) passed legislation in the Senate today that would prevent local law enforcement officers from becoming deputized federal immigration enforcement agents.

The Keep Illinois Families Together Act would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies and officers from entering into or remaining in an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to enforce federal immigration law.

“With the toxic rhetoric surrounding immigration coming from the White House, people in my district are scared,” Harmon said. “This legislation takes a small step toward easing that fear by making sure they feel comfortable seeking assistance from police or reporting crimes.”

This legislation builds on a law passed last year, the Trust Act, that prohibits local law enforcement from detaining someone solely on the basis of their immigration status.

House Bill 1637 passed the Senate and awaits the governor’s signature.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) joined colleagues and Gov. JB Pritzker today to announce the passage of a proposed constitutional amendment allowing for a fair tax and the creation of a property tax relief task force.

“We have taken a major step today toward providing our state two things it desperately needs: long-term stability and tax relief for middle-class and working families,” said Harmon, the sponsor of the proposed amendment. “By finally starting the process to reform our regressive tax system and simultaneously holding conversations about property tax relief, I know that we are building a better future for Illinois.”

The proposed Constitutional amendment would remove language requiring a flat tax and allow the General Assembly to set lower rates for those making less and higher rates for the wealthiest Illinoisans.

Illinois is one of only nine states in the country to impose a flat tax. Harmon has worked to implement a fair tax for nearly 10 years, saying the state needs more flexibility in its tax structure.

The question of whether to amend the Constitution will now be placed on the ballot in November 2020. It will take effect if 60 percent of voters approve it.