SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, supported a state budget this spring that preserves critical services families rely on while making targeted investments in healthcare, housing, public safety, and youth programs—all without raising taxes on working families.

“Too many families are feeling squeezed right now,” Harper said. “They’re paying more for groceries, rent, and everyday necessities. This budget recognizes those challenges and responds by protecting the programs people count on while keeping more money in their pockets.”

Harper voted for a budget that fully funds homelessness prevention programs, safety net hospitals, community-based violence prevention initiatives, and after-school programs. The spending plan also includes a $10 million investment in federally qualified health centers, expanding access to affordable healthcare in underserved communities across Illinois. At the same time, lawmakers identified $65 million in government spending reductions without imposing any new taxes on families.

The budget reflects a focus on maintaining services that help people stay healthy, housed, and safe while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. By investing in neighborhood healthcare providers, violence prevention efforts, and programs that support young people, the budget directs resources to areas that have a direct impact on daily life.

“When people need help, they shouldn’t have to worry about whether their local hospital will be there, whether their child has a safe place to go after school, or whether they’ll be able to keep a roof over their heads,” Harper said. “Those are real concerns for families, and this budget makes sure we’re investing in solutions instead of turning our backs on them.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, won adoption of two resolutions in the House recognizing Black Maternal Health Week and Gun Violence Awareness Day, highlighting the need to address critical public health challenges impacting vulnerable communities across Illinois.

“Far too often, our most vulnerable communities bear the greatest burden of preventable tragedies,” Harper said. “Black mothers continue to face unacceptable disparities in maternal health, and too many families are living with the daily reality of gun violence. These resolutions shine a light on these inequities and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of every Illinois resident.”

House Resolution 237 declares April 11–17 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois. The resolution recognizes that Black women experience significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths and health complications than other populations and calls for policies that address inequities in maternal health care. It supports efforts to improve health outcomes, ensure Black women have a voice in decisions affecting their care, and advance legislation that promotes safe, respectful, and equitable maternal health services for Black mothers and families.

House Resolution 409 declares June 6th as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Illinois. The resolution encourages residents to support community efforts to prevent gun violence, raise awareness about its devastating impact, and honor the lives of victims, survivors, and families affected by gun violence.

Together, these resolutions draw attention to systemic challenges that disproportionately impact underserved communities across Illinois. By recognizing Black Maternal Health Week and Gun Violence Awareness Day, public awareness, community engagement, and policies that address health disparities and violence prevention are at the forefront. The resolutions also highlight the importance of investing in equitable health care, community-based support systems, and public safety initiatives that improve outcomes for families and neighborhoods most affected by these issues.

“When a mother fears for her health during childbirth or a child fears violence in their neighborhood, we have a responsibility to act,” Harper said. “Building safer, healthier communities starts with listening to those most affected, investing in solutions that address long-standing inequities, and ensuring every family has the opportunity to live with security, dignity, and hope.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, advanced a resolution in the House calling for improved passenger seating standards and greater transparency in airline practices to better reflect the needs of modern travelers.

“Air travel should be safe, accessible, and comfortable for everyone,” Harper said. “As passengers change, our standards should reflect that reality. This resolution is about ensuring fairness, dignity, and basic comfort for the flying public while protecting people with disabilities and health-related needs.”

House Resolution 668 encourages airlines to provide seating that reflects today’s passenger needs by ensuring adequate space for comfort, safety, and mobility. The resolution calls on federal regulators to establish common-sense standards for seat width and legroom based on health, accessibility, and safety considerations. It also urges airlines to ensure reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities or health-related needs are not treated as extra-cost upgrades. In addition, the resolution promotes greater transparency by encouraging airlines to clearly disclose seat dimensions and legroom at the time of ticket purchase, helping consumers make informed travel decisions and avoid unexpected fees.

“Travelers deserve clear information and fair treatment when they book a flight,” Harper said. “This resolution pushes for transparency and accountability so passengers know what to expect before they ever step on a plane.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, won adoption of two resolutions in the House that strengthen connections between urban and rural communities and recognize the important contributions of Black farmers across the state.

“Strong food systems and thriving local economies are built through partnership,” Harper said. “These resolutions affirm that Illinois’ urban and rural communities are interconnected and that Black farmers and growers have long been essential to the success and resilience of our agricultural economy. By strengthening collaboration, expanding access to opportunity, and investing in historically underserved communities, we can create a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all Illinoisans.” 

House Resolution 667 encourages collaboration between urban and rural communities in Illinois to strengthen food systems, agriculture, education, food access, farmland protection, job opportunities, and local economies. The resolution promotes partnerships among state agencies, local governments, educational institutions, community organizations, farmers, workers, and small businesses to improve local food infrastructure, expand agricultural education, increase access to healthy food, and create economic opportunities in historically underserved communities. 

House Resolution 726 designates May 3–9 as Black Farmers and Growers Week in Illinois, recognizing the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Black farmers and growers to agriculture. The resolution encourages state agencies and policymakers to improve access to agricultural programs and resources for Black farmers, including emerging and limited-resource producers, to support economic opportunity, strengthen Illinois’ agricultural economy, and preserve the state’s farming heritage. 

“Food security, economic growth, and agricultural success depend on ensuring every community has a seat at the table,” Harper said. “These resolutions recognize the value of partnership, equity, and investment in the farmers, growers, workers, and communities that sustain Illinois’ food system. By supporting those who help feed our state every day, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for all Illinoisans.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, won adoption of two resolutions in the House that strengthen connections between urban and rural communities and recognize the important contributions of Black farmers across the state.

“Strong food systems and thriving local economies are built through partnership,” Harper said. “These resolutions affirm that Illinois’ urban and rural communities are interconnected and that Black farmers and growers have long been essential to the success and resilience of our agricultural economy. By strengthening collaboration, expanding access to opportunity, and investing in historically underserved communities, we can create a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all Illinoisans.” 

House Resolution 667 encourages collaboration between urban and rural communities in Illinois to strengthen food systems, agriculture, education, food access, farmland protection, job opportunities, and local economies. The resolution promotes partnerships among state agencies, local governments, educational institutions, community organizations, farmers, workers, and small businesses to improve local food infrastructure, expand agricultural education, increase access to healthy food, and create economic opportunities in historically underserved communities. 

House Resolution 726 designates May 3–9 as Black Farmers and Growers Week in Illinois, recognizing the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Black farmers and growers to agriculture. The resolution encourages state agencies and policymakers to improve access to agricultural programs and resources for Black farmers, including emerging and limited-resource producers, to support economic opportunity, strengthen Illinois’ agricultural economy, and preserve the state’s farming heritage. 

“Food security, economic growth, and agricultural success depend on ensuring every community has a seat at the table,” Harper said. “These resolutions recognize the value of partnership, equity, and investment in the farmers, growers, workers, and communities that sustain Illinois’ food system. By supporting those who help feed our state every day, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for all Illinoisans.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the gathering of operators, advocates, farmers, regulators, and community members for a timely discussion titled “The State of Cannabis, Hemp & Equity in Illinois: Progress, Challenges & What Comes Next,” which examined the current state of Illinois’ cannabis and hemp industries and the ongoing effort to fulfill the state’s equity commitments, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, emphasized that while progress has been made, work remains to ensure equity and opportunity stay at the forefront of the industry’s future. 

The town hall brought together voices from across the industry to share firsthand experiences from social equity license holders, small business owners, hemp farmers, and impacted communities. Participants discussed both progresses made under Illinois’ legalization framework and the significant barriers that remain to achieving true equity.

“For too many equity operators, the promise of this industry has not matched the reality,” Harper said. “We have to be honest about where the system is falling short and what it will take to make equity real for the communities most impacted.”

Throughout the discussion, participants raised concerns about high licensing fees, heavy tax burdens, rising operational and compliance costs, and limited access to capital, all of which continue to strain small businesses and create ongoing barriers for social equity license holders seeking to become operational, while stakeholders also pointed to challenges including local approval hurdles, market saturation, dispensary clustering in vulnerable communities, pricing pressures, delayed payments, and competitive disadvantages tied to larger multi-state operators. 

Community advocates emphasized that equity must go beyond licensing and include real reinvestment in communities harmed by cannabis criminalization, while hemp farmers and industry stakeholders called for stronger state leadership and better infrastructure support as uncertainty around federal hemp policy continues to grow, leading participants to urge lawmakers to continue holding hearings and pursue operational relief, fee reform, a review of cannabis taxes, stronger protections against dispensary clustering, and greater oversight and accountability across the industry. 

The town hall made one thing clear: while Illinois has made progress, there is still a long way to go in building a truly equitable cannabis and hemp industry. 

“As we move forward, we must stay focused on delivering real equity outcomes,” Harper said. “That requires continued accountability, sustained policy action, and commitment to the communities this system was designed to serve.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, celebrated a successful and impactful 4th Annual Black Farmers & Growers Lobby Day at the Illinois State Capitol, where farmers, advocates, organizers, community leaders, youth activists, and environmental justice organizations from across Illinois and beyond came together to champion equity in agriculture, expand healthy food access, and strengthen local food systems.

Hosted in Springfield, the event highlighted the urgent need to support socially disadvantaged farmers and increase investment in sustainable, community-driven food systems throughout Illinois.

“For far too long, socially disadvantaged farmers have been forced to wait at the back of the line for opportunity, investment, and support,” Harper said. “Our goal is to change that. Black Farmers & Growers Lobby Day is an important step toward building a more equitable agricultural system — one that prioritizes healthy food access, strengthens local food systems, and ensures every farmer has the opportunity to thrive.”

While the day centered Black farmers and growers because of longstanding disparities rooted in history, the broader mission focused on ensuring all historically excluded communities have access to opportunity, resources, and healthy food systems. Organizers emphasized that when communities lack healthy food access, small farmers disappear, and local food systems collapse, the impact is felt by everyone. The event also reinforced solidarity with socially disadvantaged farmers across Illinois and across the country.

Harper also recognized several leaders, organizations, and community partners who helped make the lobby day a success, including:

• Illinois Environmental Council
• Liz Rupel of Illinois Stewardship Alliance
• Erica Allen of Urban Growers Collective and Green Era
• Bweza Itaagi of Sistaz in the Village
• March Porch and the young people from Decatur
• Representatives from Growing Greater Englewood
• Representatives from Black Oaks Center
• Representatives from Eden Place Nature Center, including the Howard family
• Willie JR Fleming
• Faith in Place
• Yves Doumen of Motherland Gardens
• The Black Farmers & Growers steering committee working group and lobby day leaders

The event served as a call to action for stronger partnerships, increased investment in equitable agriculture policy, and continued support for local growers and food justice initiatives throughout Illinois.

“As we move forward, we remain committed to building a future where every community has access to healthy food, every farmer has a fair opportunity to succeed, and every voice is heard in shaping our food systems,” Harper said. “This work does not end with one day at the Capitol — it continues through policy, partnership, and sustained investment in the communities and farmers who have too often been overlooked.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is celebrating a major step forward in supporting equitable growth in agriculture after her legislation to create a new grant program for emerging and socially disadvantaged farmers passed the House.

“Across Illinois, we have talented, hardworking farmers who are ready to grow—but too often, they face barriers to land, infrastructure, and markets that make it harder to succeed,” Harper said. “This legislation is about leveling the playing field and making sure every farmer has a fair shot, no matter their background. When we invest in these farmers, we strengthen our entire food system.”

House Bill 4922 creates the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Infrastructure and Market Access Grant Program, which will be administered by the Department of Agriculture. The program is designed to increase agricultural production, improve long-term farm viability, and expand access to new and existing markets for eligible farmers.

“For too long, farmers from historically underserved communities have been left out of opportunities to scale their operations and reach broader markets,” Harper said. “This program is a meaningful step toward changing that. It’s about building pathways to success and making sure Illinois agriculture reflects the diversity and strength of all our communities.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration and would take effect July 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is working to address long-standing barriers faced by previously incarcerated individuals after legislation she co-sponsored to reduce obstacles for people with arrest or conviction records passed the House.  

“Once a person has served their sentence, they should not continue to be punished,” Harper said. “Unfortunately, that is not the reality previously incarcerated people face upon their release from prison because they are often denied opportunities to secure jobs, housing, and financial stability—all things that they need to get back on their feet and move on from their past.” 

In Illinois, nearly 4 million residents—about one in three—have some form of arrest or conviction record. Even after completing their sentences, many encounter significant challenges securing employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

House Bill 5091 establishes a task force composed of experts, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to conduct a comprehensive review of these barriers. The task force will evaluate current policies, identify what is working, and recommend reforms where needed. The legislation does not alter existing criminal laws or sentencing guidelines, but instead focuses on gathering data and developing informed, practical recommendations. A final report is expected by January 2028.

“If we want previously incarcerated people to leave crime in their past and move forward as law abiding citizens, then they’re going to need to be able to access housing, jobs, and other services,” Harper said. “This legislation is the natural expression of that. We can’t say that people should reform themselves while at the same time leaving them without the things that all of us need in order to survive.”

House Bill 5091 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Amid ongoing questions about equity in Illinois’ cannabis industry, state Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) will host a virtual town hall on April 20, 2026, at 4:20 p.m. to  assess progress, address challenges, and discuss the path forward.

The event, titled “The State of Cannabis, Hemp & Equity in Illinois: Progress, Challenges & What Comes Next,” will bring together state regulators, industry leaders, hemp advocates, and social equity license holders. Participants will examine the current landscape of cannabis and hemp in Illinois, including progress and delays in social equity licensing, barriers facing equity operators, hemp regulation, access to capital, and potential legislative changes.

“Illinois made a promise to create the most equitable cannabis program in the country,” Harper said. “This conversation is about accountability—what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change to ensure equity remains a priority.”

The town hall will also give community members an opportunity to hear directly from key stakeholders and engage in an open dialogue about the industry’s future.

Speakers include:

• Erin Johnson, Illinois Cannabis Regulatory Oversight Officer
• Danielle Perry, Former Regulator
• Portia Mittons, Cannabis Business Association of Illinois
• Belicia Royster, Social Equity Empowerment Network
• JR Fleming, South and West Side Coalition for Change
• Rachel Berry, Illinois Hemp Growers Association
• Everett Berry, Mia’s Heart Hemp Life; Illinois Hemp Coalition
• Doug Kelly, Cannabis Equity Illinois
• Social equity operators from the district

Event Details:
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 4:20 p.m.

Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3TLLqxTzREKmmuDV5P0GfQ

For more information, contact repsonyaharper@gmail.com or call (773) 925-6580.

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