RIVERDALE — State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) announced the Carver Park Fieldhouse will undergo a $759,858 Rebuild Illinois renovation project to provide expanded athletic and recreational facilities, space for incubators and job skills training to the community.

“The rehabilitation of Carver Park Fieldhouse will not only provide a safe space for athletics but will lead the way to expanding job training and skills development for businesses and residents throughout our community,” Harris said. “This and other Shovel Ready grants will make the highest and best use of our statewide capital plan by improving infrastructure to meet the needs of community members today while setting the stage for broader economic development in the future.”

The Carver Park Fieldhouse is located in the Riverdale community and features a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, boxing ring and multi-purpose clubrooms. The outside of the fieldhouse offers a playground, baseball diamonds, a batting cage, a sand volleyball court, basketball courts and a picnic area.

The investment for this project comes from the Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program. Shovel Ready funding will help boost essential community development projects, including those that repurpose vacant land in disadvantaged communities into valuable community spaces.

Shovel Ready projects are supported by Rebuild Illinois – the state’s $45 billion, 5-year capital program.

All Shovel Ready projects will follow minority business participation requirements of the State of Illinois' Business Enterprise Program and will meet local hiring requirements through the Illinois Works program.

DOLTON - State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement on the NFL using race as a category to judge whether ex-players should be paid for head injury claims Wednesday:

"It's sickening that the National Football League uses race to determine concussion settlements. Black players who sustained injuries while playing deserve the same support as white players. This is further proof the NFL does not care about players' livelihoods after their football career is finished – but rather only when they can help the league.

DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) will host a virtual town hall to share updated information on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda and COVID-19 vaccines.

Harris will be broadcasting the town hall live on Feb. 9, at 6 p.m., from his Facebook page.

“After the January session, many residents had questions about the package of legislation we passed. This town hall is a great opportunity for them to get answers,” Harris said. “I urge community members to join to understand the Black Caucus’ agenda is all about equality and inclusion for people of color.”

During the January session, the Illinois Senate Legislative Black Caucus passed the most comprehensive legislative package in the nation to rid Illinois of systemic racism. The purpose of the town hall is to clarify misconceptions about the measures and answer any outstanding questions.

Harris will also discuss the state’s vaccination distribution plan.

For questions or additional information, Harris urges residents to contact his office at 708-893-0552 or visit his website.

DOLTON - As winter weather continues to reach freezing temperatures, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) reminds homeowners to check their home heating and alarm devices to make sure they are still functioning properly.

“A proper home inspection is critical in ensuring your home is equipped with the quality heating it needs to fight off the coldness of our winter season,” Harris said. “However, it is also important to check your furnace, furnace filter and smoke detectors to ensure your family is safe from potential fires.”

DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) will host a virtual town hall to share updated information on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda and COVID-19 vaccines.

Harris will be broadcasting the town hall live on Feb. 2, at 6.pm. from his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorNapoleonBHarrisIII.

“After the January session, many residents had questions about the package of legislation we passed. This town hall is a great opportunity for them to get answers,” Harris said. “I urge community members to join to understand the Black Caucus’ agenda is all about equality and inclusion for people of color.”

DOLTON – As small businesses continue to suffer from the national health crisis, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) is honored to announces that a combined 86 local businesses were awarded over a million dollars during the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program.

“Small businesses play an important role in supporting their local communities but have had a time tough time staying relevant amongst this pandemic,” Harris said. “Many of these businesses have little cash on hand or resources to buffer even with a minor financial infraction, so it’s vital that we provide them with the financial assistance to continue to bolster our local economies.”

SPRINGFILED – As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) chaired a meeting for the Special Committee on Pension Investments on Thursday to discuss the importance of achieving diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“In order to begin to bridge historical disparities, existing industries need to give minority firms a chance to enter the market,” Harris said. “Allowing Illinois pension funds to move at their own pace has not achieved spring of diversity we were anticipating, so we must now redouble our efforts in order to meet those goals.”

The Emerging Manager Program offers opportunities to newer, smaller and diverse investment management firms to help grow the state’s common retirement fund.

Under Illinois law, public employee pension systems must set and work toward diversity goals, as well as increase access to state contracts for investment management firms, brokerages and other vendors owned by minorities, women or people with disabilities. 

Since 2004, the Senate has held annual hearings to receive updates from the pension systems on their progress in meeting these goals and to discuss ways in which the state can continue to break down barriers for emerging investment managers and other financial professionals. 

“We need to ensure that these pension funds are actually trying to move toward achieving diversity,” Harris said. “As some companies have shared that they have exceeded their diversity goals for women, minorities were still left behind.” 

Testimonies from pension fund representatives will continue on Friday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m.

The virtual committee hearing can be viewed at https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video," and the link will become available when proceedings begin. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

SPRINGFIELD – To address issues of diversity and inclusion for Black and Brown communities, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) will chair two virtual hearings of the Special Committee on Pension Investments Dec. 10 and 11 at 1 p.m. to discuss diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“There’s no denying the racial injustice and discrimination that people of color have to face on a daily basis,” Harris said. “Programs like the Emerging Manager Program are helpful, but there is still a long list of diverse individuals who are waiting for the opportunity to be a part of the investment management business.”