Harper’s priorities include reversing cuts to child care assistance

Posted on October 22, 2015

By John Gregrory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – The first priority for the newest lawmaker in the Capitol is reversing cuts to child care assistance put in place by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

State Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) has been appointed to replace State Rep. Esther Golar, who died last month.

Weeks before, Golar had ignored doctor’s orders by coming to the Capitol to vote to override Rauner’s emergency rule changes limiting eligibility for child care assistance, and Harper is promising to honor her legacy by voting to reverse those cuts when the House is in session on November 10. She says she’s seen the effects of the cuts on child care providers in her area.

“They’re basically going out of business and they need help,” Harper said. “Some of them have even shut their doors and they’re even looking at other options for employment, and so I definitely see that as a direct result of what’s going on in Springfield.”

Harper says she disagrees with Rauner’s policies, but declines to give her personal opinion of him. She is planning on running for a full term in the House next year.

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