Rep. Greg Harris Appointed Majority Conference Chairman for House Democrats

CHICAGO – In recognition of his of years of commitment to fighting for equality and opportunity for all Illinoisans, state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, was named Majority Conference Chairman for the Illinois House Democrats.

“I’m honored that my colleagues have put their trust in me to serve as a leader for the House Democratic Caucus, especially at a time when our state is facing some of the most challenging days in its history,” Harris said. “In the past two years, Democrats have worked to defend the middle class and our most vulnerable neighbors against unprecedented attacks led by Gov. Rauner. Now, with Pres. Trump leading attacks on public education, women’s reproductive rights, healthcare for families and seniors, voting rights, civil rights, LGBT rights, and his historic attacks on our immigrant/refugee neighbors, we must use every legislative power we have in Illinois to resist and make State-level protections available for Illinoisans.”

With his appointment as Majority Conference Chairman, Harris becomes the first openly gay legislator in Illinois history to serve in a caucus leadership position. During the 100th General Assembly, he will also serve as Chairman of the Appropriations-Human Services Committee and as a member of the Executive, the Health & Life Insurance and Aging Committees. Also as chief budget negotiator for the House Democrats, Harris is urging the governor to return to the table and compromise on a full-year budget that funds critical services, improves our business climate and restores fiscal stability to our state budget.

“I look forward to continue to serve as the chief budget negotiator as we seek to find a responsible solution to the budget crisis,” Harris said. “The lack of a state budget has been devastating for the elderly who rely on state supports, children with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, neighborhood schools and social service agencies all across the state. In my role as chief budget negotiator and as member of the House Democratic Leadership, I will continue fighting to protect the values of middle-class families and our state’s most vulnerable citizens throughout these budget discussions.”