Erica Harriss

Erica Harriss was born in Illinois. Harriss earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville in 1999. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner and communications director for the National Children's Cancer Society from 1999 to 2004.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Erica Harriss is a lifelong Metro East native. Born in Highland, Erica graduated from Edwardsville High School and earned her degree in Speech Communication/Public Relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1999. She is an entrepreneur and small business owner, founding her company in 2014. She has worked professionally in marketing and human resources for Ozzie Smith, and staffed newsrooms at KSDK-TV in St. Louis. From 1999 until 2004 Erica served as the Director of Communications for the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS).

Elected to the Madison County Board in 2016, Harriss has has served as the Chairperson of the Personnel Committee and is a member of the Finance, Government Operations, and Grants committees.

In 2020, Erica was honored to receive the MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award from New Shining Light Outreach Ministry. She has been an active member and youth group leader at Metro Community Church for nearly 25 years, has volunteered with various local charity organizations, and is a regular supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Compassion International.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

To reduce the overbearing tax burden on Illinois families by supporting legislation to cap and freeze property taxes, by opposing a progressive income tax, and voting against taxing retirement income.To confront Springfield corruption by supporting comprehensive ethics reform, greater power for the Legislative Inspector General, and term limits for leaders in both chambers.To support law enforcement and repeal the SAFE-T Act, keeping them and our communities safe.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am running for the Illinois Senate to make Illinois a better place to work, live and raise a family. I believe the way to improve our state is to end political polarization and bring together leaders of both parties to work for solutions to benefit the people - rather than the politicians in this state.

With one of the highest tax burdens, lowest credit ratings and corruption that regularly makes the national news, Illinois’ problems can seem overwhelming. The status quo has gone on for so long under single party rule that they have made us believe that there are no solutions.

I am tired of the excuses. As Illinoisans there is nothing we cannot overcome if we work together. I know it is possible to lower taxes and create more economic opportunity because I have done it on the Madison County Board helping to lead a successful initiative to reduce property taxes in Madison County.

As a small business owner, I understand and have dealt personally with many of the government hurdles that hold entrepreneurs in Illinois back.

I am running to be a voice for our small business owners and the Illinois workforce because I know we can improve our business climate by cutting wasteful spending, balancing budgets, reducing taxes and regulations, creating new jobs, and reducing regulations.