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. – 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.

​

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Ahead of the 4th Annual Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 6, at the Illinois State Capitol Building, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at strengthening Illinois’ food systems, expanding access to farmland, advancing equity in agriculture and cannabis policy, and investing in communities historically excluded from state-supported agricultural opportunities.

“Food access, land equity, and agricultural opportunity are deeply connected to the wellbeing of every community in Illinois,” Harper said. “This legislative package reflects years of conversation with farmers, advocates, and residents who are calling for a fairer, more sustainable food system. Lobby Day is an opportunity to bring those voices directly into the policy process and move meaningful change forward.”

The legislative package includes key House Bills, House Resolutions, and a Joint Resolution designed to address structural inequities in food access, farmer support, and land development policy while building stronger connections between urban and rural communities across Illinois:

• House Bill 4720 and House Bill 4922 would invest $2.5 million to expand Illinois’ Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Grant programs, helping new farmers, farmers of color, and under-resourced producers access capital, improve infrastructure, and grow their operations so more people can successfully participate in and stay in agriculture.
• House Bill 5300 creates a way to officially identify “Food Desert Zones” in Illinois so we can better target investment where access to fresh, affordable food is limited. It helps prioritize those communities for new grocery stores, mobile markets, and other healthy food options, while encouraging partnerships that bring more fresh food retail into underserved urban and rural areas.
• House Bill 4286 strengthens Illinois’ cannabis equity efforts by improving the Cannabis Equity Commission’s role and coordination, expanding opportunities for social equity applicants, and increasing transparency in licensing and funding, while ensuring communities most impacted by past cannabis enforcement have real access to economic opportunities in the industry.
• House Bill 5235 establishes the Food System Coordination Act, to help Illinois take a more coordinated approach to how we plan and manage our food system by improving collaboration between state agencies, strengthening supply chains from farm to table, reducing duplication in programs and funding, and supporting long-term planning for a more sustainable and equitable food system that can better meet community needs.
• House Resolution 726 designates a statewide Black Farmers & Growers Week to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black farmers and growers in Illinois, while also highlighting their historical and ongoing impact, raising awareness of the barriers,
• House Resolution 667 encourages stronger partnerships between urban and rural communities by supporting direct connections between producers and consumers, expanding regional food hubs and cooperative distribution, and investing in local food economies to build a more connected and resilient statewide food system.
• House Joint Resolution 55 focuses on protecting Illinois farmland and shaping responsible development by preserving productive agricultural land, supporting sustainable growth, and improving long-term land access for new and emerging farmers while balancing community development needs with the state’s agricultural future.

“Whether it’s expanding access to healthy food, protecting farmland, or ensuring equity in opportunity, this work is about building a food system that serves everyone—not just some,” Harper said. “Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day is a reminder that when we bring communities to the table, we can shape policies that reflect their needs and their future.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is celebrating a key step forward in strengthening Illinois’ flood preparedness and environmental resilience after her legislation to support natural flood risk reduction projects passed the House.

“Flooding is a serious and growing problem in communities across our state,” Harper said. “If we don’t take meaningful action now, more families will face devastating losses—damaged homes, disrupted lives, and years spent trying to rebuild what they worked so hard to create.”

House Bill 3433 changes the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Law and directs the Department, if funding is available, to design, implement, and evaluate up to three demonstration projects. These projects will focus on using natural methods—such as restoring wetlands and improving floodplains—to reduce flood risk in areas of the state that are especially vulnerable to flooding.

As part of the program, the Department may require counties involved in the projects to submit progress reports with updated information on implementation and results. The Department must also submit a report on the findings to the Illinois General Assembly and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security.

“It is more than important that we invest in smarter, nature-based solutions that protect families, homes, and infrastructure,” Harper said. “This legislation is a first step. By testing natural flood reduction strategies, we can better protect our communities while also supporting long-term environmental health.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.