CHICAGO – Following 15 years of service as a state representative, Majority Leader Greg Harris today announced he will not seek re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives. 

“When I stepped into this office 15 years ago, I was committed to making change. I wanted to improve the lives of LGBTQ folks, support our immigrant community, increase the diversity of our caucus and fight for those who for so long have been ignored. As I look back at my time in Springfield, I can confidently say that I was fortunate to do that and more. Therefore, while I will finish the rest of my term and continue leading our caucus through the annual budget process, I will not be seeking re-election,” said Leader Harris. 

Harris is leaving office with a litany of legislative achievements to his name. Harris was the chief sponsor of the law that delivered marriage equality throughout Illinois. Following this, Harris became the first LGBTQ person in Illinois history to be in legislative leadership. Additionally, despite Gov. Rauner’s heartless efforts, Harris successfully protected funding for critical human services programs. Early in his tenure, Harris successfully spearheaded legislation reducing economic disparities in mammograms and breast cancer treatment. He is also credited with numerous laws cutting red tape in Illinois’ health care system and lowering the costs of prescription drugs. 

“As a proud member of the Democratic Caucus, I can say we stood together and worked toward change over the course of eight General Assemblies, four Governors, two recessions and a global pandemic. I am proud to have worked with dedicated colleagues, staff and activists. I am immensely proud to have served with Speaker Welch, our state’s first African-American Speaker. And finally, I’m most proud to have served my district and demonstrated that good government matters—that, with thoughtful policy, we can improve lives and make a more just society together,” said Leader Harris. 

Other major bills Leader Harris has sponsored include:

• Legislation providing that Transgender Illinoisans can correct their birth certificates;
• Legislation preventing consumer reporting agencies from imposing a fee for credit freezes;
• Legislation reforming anti-consumer practices in prescription drug pricing.

“I’m making this announcement now so people considering running for office have time to think and prepare. There is much more to accomplish and we have a young, diverse group of leaders who are ready to take the reins and lead. It’s time to give them the opportunity to do so,” said Leader Harris. 

“I want to thank my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—who have worked tirelessly alongside me. I have learned many lessons, created countless memories and cemented life-long friendships. This has been an honor of a lifetime, so thank you,” said Leader Harris.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team Thursday, including state Reps. Jehan Gordon-Booth, Robyn Gabel, Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., and Jay Hoffman.

“As we begin a new day in the House, I’m committed to assembling a Democratic leadership team that values those things that have made our caucus so successful while also pursuing needed changes to strengthen our caucus, our House and our state. Throughout their careers, Reps. Gordon-Booth, Gabel, Andrade and Hoffman have all brought leadership, integrity and unique perspectives to our chamber. They have spoke passionately for their communities and also extended their hands to their colleagues in compromise. I look forward to working closely with them, and with all members of this chamber, to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of this moment.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, who will serve as deputy majority leader and speaker pro-tempore:

“As Speaker Welch begins a historic speakership, I’m proud to be a part of a leadership team that recognizes that the diversity of our caucus is our strength. Last week, Democrats stood together to move forward on landmark legislation advancing justice for all – something that required each of us to think beyond our own experience and listen to one another. While there is a lot of work ahead, we will continue to work together in this way to build a stronger Illinois.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, who will serve as assistant majority leader:

“Speaker Welch has called on every member of this House to work together to meet the challenges of this moment. We come to the table prepared to advocate for the critical services families and small businesses need to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, smart budget solutions that invest in our future, the health of our families, our environmental resources, strong schools and a strong economy.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., D-Chicago, who will serve as assistant majority leader:

“This leadership team reflects the diversity and geography of our state, and we share a commitment to doing what is right for every part of Illinois. The challenges ahead of us are clear, but Speaker Welch has made it clear this is no time to hide from these challenges – it’s time to confront them head on and work together to strengthen our state.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, who will serve as assistant majority leader:

“The work ahead of our state is so critical. We are tasked with bringing Illinois through an unprecedented pandemic, repairing the budgetary damage that crisis has created, and building a stronger, more just state. Democrats stand united with Speaker Welch in this effort. We’re enthused by this new moment and remain committed to continuing our work for a stronger middle class, an economy that works for everyone, and a better Illinois for all.”

Welch’s full leadership team will consist of:

• State Rep. Greg Harris – Majority Leader
• State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth – Deputy Majority Leader / Speaker Pro-Tempore
• State Rep. Mary E. Flowers – Deputy Majority Leader and Dean of the Caucus
• State Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Robyn Gabel – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Jay Hoffman – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Natalie Manley – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Delia Ramirez – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Carol Ammons – Democratic Conference Chair

In addition to these leadership posts, Welch has tapped leaders within each caucus of the House Democratic delegation to serve as a caucus whips. These members will be empowered to rally the various caucuses around legislation and issues of importance to the entire Democratic Caucus. This team will be:

• State Rep. Will Guzzardi – Progressive Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Kam Buckner – Black Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Theresa Mah – Asian Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. – Downstate Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Deb Conroy – Women’s Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Aaron Ortiz – Latinx Caucus Whip

Welch and his full leadership team are preparing new changes to the House rules, based on input from both sides of the aisle.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Majority Leader Greg Harris released the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address:

“The governor’s budget proposal is an important starting point in a process that will require many tough decisions. We look forward to working with the governor and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass an on-time balanced budget that lives within our means, funds critical services, helps stabilize state finances, and continues to build a stronger Illinois.

“House Democrats applaud Governor Pritzker’s commitment to joining us in making Illinois the best place in the country to raise a family, strengthening education, repairing the social safety network, and making our communities safer and our justice system fairer – as well as the governor’s recognition that achieving these important goals starts with a balanced budget.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement Thursday announcing his appointment of state Rep. Greg Harris as House majority leader:

“At my request, Representative Greg Harris will serve as House majority leader. This is the first in a series of leadership appointments that will be announced in the coming days reflecting the diversity of our state, and reflecting our caucus’ approach to the coming legislative session. 

“Throughout his tenure, Representative Harris has shown a dedication to meeting our state’s biggest challenges head on. Throughout his career, he has worked to advance progressive ideals, while also building bipartisan consensus. He led a historic effort to make Illinois one of the first states to pass legislation ensuring equal rights for same-sex couples; he has spearheaded complicated Medicaid reforms with an eye toward compassion and expanded access to health care; and his leadership was most critical during the budget crisis, when Representative Harris was instrumental in bringing together Democrats and Republicans to enact a bipartisan budget that protects lifesaving services like breast cancer screenings, child care, health care for the elderly and much more.

“In 1997, I asked Barbara Flynn Currie to serve as the state’s first female majority leader. Following in her historic tenure, today’s appointment again represents House Democrats’ commitment to building an inclusive, welcoming Legislature where all are represented. As the first openly gay majority leader, Representative Harris will also continue to reflect our caucus’ commitment to working across the aisle and making the tough decisions.” 

CHICAGO – State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, and members of a House budget committee shined a light on the human face of the technical issues plaguing a Rauner administration IT upgrade that had incorrectly blocked tens of thousands from receiving services during late 2017 at a hearing Monday.

“Governor Rauner’s mismanagement of state contracts has led to misery for medically fragile children, nursing home residents and people with disabilities,” said Harris. “It’s another example of how the governor is focused on handing out contracts to private consultants and ignoring the plight of those at the bottom of the economic ladder.”

During the hearing, advocates from local social service agencies and frontline Department of Human Service workers testified as to how the new Integrated Eligibility System (IES) had failed residents.

“As a single parent of an adult with disabilities whose livelihood depends on Medicaid, I feel that the systemic Medicaid issues occurring in Illinois threaten the life I have worked so hard to achieve these last forty-one years for my daughter and myself,” said Shirley Perez, whose serves as Program Director of the Ligas Family Advocate Program and Executive Director of the Family Support Network of Illinois, and whose adult daughter was almost recently cut off from her Medicaid coverage. “When her redetermination notice failed, my heart just sank, even with years of experience as a parent and as a professional in the disability field who talks to other families about their issues daily. Please know that the impact of this problem is far greater than it might seem because it is a threat to our very existence.”

In 2017, the Illinois Department of Human Services began rolling out the second phase of the IES to process enrollment for several different services. However, in late 2017, more than 40,000 households lost their food stamp benefits. The IES change also created a state backlog in processing identification numbers for Medicaid patients, blocking some patients from receiving treatment. In both cases, officials had to scramble as thousands went without critical health and food benefits that often serve as the difference between life and death.

In addition to having technical issues, IES has gone way beyond its initial price tag, leading to a $300 million project whose extensions and amendments will end up costing more than the project’s original budget.

“The countless stories from families across Illinois on the widespread failures of the state’s new Medicaid computer system would be disastrous on their own,” Harris continued. “Yet the fact that the cost overruns on this failed system total more than $150 million makes it doubly outrageous. Taxpayers should not be coughing up hundreds of millions of tax dollars to actually make things worse.”

CHICAGO – Citing concerns regarding data security and voter suppression, Assistant Majority Leader Greg Harris, D-Chicago, issued the following statement urging the Illinois State Board of Elections to withdraw from the controversial Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck System (“Crosscheck”):

“Recent findings from Indivisible Chicago have discovered an alarming the lack of proper security measures for the Crosscheck program. Illinois voters’ personal information is being uploaded to an unencrypted server—putting all registered voters in Illinois at risk of falling victim to identity theft. Additionally, the administrators of Crosscheck have engaged in extremely negligent security practices. They have used easily guessed passwords, have sent passwords and usernames on unsecure emails, and even released sensitive, un-redacted personal voter information to the public.

“The administrators of Crosscheck are engaging in the exact same negligent security practices that led to the massive data breach at Equifax. We can’t sit idly by while the personal information of every Illinois resident is at risk of being hacked because of lax security practices.

“In addition to data security concerns, Crosscheck has repeatedly falsely flagged citizens as duplicate voters. Recent studies have shown Crosscheck results are 99.5% false positives, which runs the risk of suppressing turnout by incorrectly kicking legitimate voters off the rolls.

“Even more concerning is Crosscheck program’s head administrator, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a right-wing ideologue who has made a career out of suppressing voter turnout, particularly in minority communities. Kobach’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been tapped as the vice-chairman of the new Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, Donald Trump’s pet project aimed at suppressing voter turnout nationwide.

“The time to act is now. I strongly encourage the State Board of Elections to withdraw from this program that has placed the identity of Illinois voters at risk and threatens to substantially suppress the right to vote for thousands of Illinois residents.”

CHICAGO – Individuals affected by the governor’s most recent cuts to the state’s social services had the opportunity to testify on the life-changing impact Rauner’s cuts will have at the Appropriations – Human Services committee hearing on Wednesday.

“For three long years, people did not know whether or not they were going to be able to receive life-saving care, which is why Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature came together, despite the governor’s refusal to negotiate, to pass a balanced budget and make sure that these services would continue to receive funding,” said state Rep. Greg Harris, chair of the House Appropriations-Human Services Committee. “As the governor rides around on a motorcycle recording campaign commercials, he has decided that these people do not need to get the help that they need to survive. It is our job as elected officials to help people when they need it, and the governor is clearly demonstrating that he does not understand that.”

Despite the vitality of the state’s social services, the governor announced a series of cuts to programs that the state’s most vulnerable citizens rely upon. It is because of his cuts that people suffering with HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, autism, substance abuse and many other severe illnesses will not be able to receive the care that they need to survive. Children will be unable to attend afterschool programs that help them avoid being victims of gang violence, and immigrants who have made Illinois their home will not have resources they need to settle into the state.

“It is because of the services I received that I am in a better space mentally, physically and spiritually, and have been able to dedicate my life to helping others who are experiencing difficult times as result of HIV/AIDS,” said Arick Buckles, volunteer advocate for the Illinois Alliance for Sound AIDS Policy (IL ASAP) “But as a result of the governors cuts to HIV prevention and services it will be harder to test and treat those who are most at risk for contracting HIV. I urge the governor to restore the funding to HIV and AIDS services so that Illinoisans who are experiencing HIV/AIDS and most at risk populations will have the much needed systems of support in place.”

In July, Harris led the negotiations that resulted in the passage of the bipartisan, balanced budget that ended the governor’s three-year budget crisis. Due to his leadership, social services across the state have been able to once again assist the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

“The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago has given me the support and comfort to know I am not alone,” said Eva Wadzinski, a service recipient and volunteer at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. “The foundation helps me and my friends express our anger, loss, and emotions when dealing with epilepsy, and case managers are always there to work through the spider web of healthcare. I make the foundation a priority, sometimes even more than my schoolwork, because this is a place where you can be yourself, and not feel like an outcast.”

CHICAGO – Legislators will hear directly from individuals affected by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s latest attempt to slash services for the most vulnerable at a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago in Room C-600.

“In July, Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature came together to end the governor’s three-year budget crisis so that people suffering from severe illnesses, such as opioid addiction and epilepsy, could receive the care they need to survive, but the governor has once again specifically targeted some of our most vulnerable residents for cuts,” said state Rep. Greg Harris, chair of the House Appropriations-Human Services Committee. “His cuts will force our social services to close their doors on people who depend on them every day for life-saving assistance, all while he is spending millions of dollars on his campaign commercials.”

Who:               The House Appropriations-Human Services Committee

Social Service Recipients

Social Service Providers

What:             A committee hearing about how the governor’s service cuts to the Fiscal Year ’18 budget will impact the state’s most                                   vulnerable citizens.

When:             Wednesday, Nov. 1

                        10 a.m.

Where:           Michael A. Bilandic Building

                        C-600, 6th Floor

160 North LaSalle Street

Chicago

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, passed legislation unanimously out of the House today that aims to protect Illinois consumers impacted by the Equifax data breach by preventing credit freeze charges.

“It’s wrong that people are being forced to pay to protect their own identities and financial security because of the errors of others,” Harris said. “We shouldn’t have to pay for the mismanagement and negligence of giant corporations that are collecting personal and sensitive information from consumers.”

Harris worked in conjunction with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to introduce legislation in response to the Equifax data breach. Late last month, Equifax announced it had suffered a massive data breach of sensitive consumer information from May to July of this year, impacting as many as 143 million Americans. In Illinois, the breach is believed to have jeopardized the personal and financial information of more than 5.4 million residents.

After the data breach, Attorney General Madigan encouraged residents to consider placing a freeze on their credit and to sign up for free credit reports to help protect themselves from identity theft. Harris’ proposal, House Bill 4095, would prevent credit agencies like Equifax from charging consumers with a fee to freeze their credit.

“The Equifax data breach was absolutely inexcusable. This legislation is an example of the legislature working swiftly and in a bipartisan fashion to protect consumers,” Harris said. “I urge the Governor to sign this proposal to help victims of the data breach protect themselves.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Greg Harris issued the following statement regarding the governor’s practice of paying top administration officials out of state agency budgets and his recent devastating cuts to the Department of Human Services budget:

“Governor Rauner has made a habit of taking money from state agencies to pay for the high salaries of his administration officials. His recently departed Education Secretary Beth Purvis was paid $250,000 a year out of the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) budget.

“While the governor is dipping into state agency budgets to pay for the huge salaries of his top administration officials, he has pursued a destructive agenda of drastic cuts to vital agency programs—it’s not right.

“Just recently, Governor Rauner announced a new round of devastating cuts to essential DHS initiatives like after school programs and the autism program. I’m calling for his administration to restore the salary of Secretary Purvis to the DHS budget to provide relief from his devastating cuts that harm our most vulnerable kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.”