We recently were able to ask Senate President Don Harmon a few questions about his life and the environment.
What is your favorite outdoor place in Illinois?
This COVID Summer has reminded me how much I love Columbus Park in Austin. The Refectory overlooking the lagoon was our home for indoor/outdoor political events for many years. My family and I hosted fishing events for neighborhood kids at the lagoon each summer. It was also one of the first places I ever played golf, and that has been so convenient this summer that I could rekindle my interest in the sport while engaging in an outdoor, socially distant activity. A great outdoor space, close to your home and versatile enough to adapt to the changing times is something we should strive for in every community. I'm very lucky to have a beautiful, secluded open space so close to home.
Since 2007, you've been the Senate sponsor of every bill to get Illinois on a pathway to 100% clean energy. What is your take on CEJA (The Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act) and the window of opportunity in veto session to realize this vision?
Getting to 100% clean energy is something we absolutely must do in Illinois—and soon—because the future of our planet depends on it. Covid obviously greatly complicates our ability to operate right now in any semblance of a normal way, but I'm hopeful that there's an opportunity in this General Assembly to come to agreement on how to pass this bill.
Why is it important that we tackle racial justice and climate together?
The two issues are inexorably linked because climate change and pollution disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color. They have borne the brunt of our poor environmental management, be it pollution, siting of plants, lead paint, or lack of open spaces in a way that white communities simply haven’t endured.
We have a chance to overhaul our energy policy and address climate change in a way that recognizes and remediates the disparate, negative impact implicit in our old energy policy. By addressing these two human-caused crises – racial injustice and climate change – together, we can empower marginalized communities to engage in conservation and energy management, create good-paying local jobs, and ensure that everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy, prosperous future.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Oak Park in the very same house I live in today. My parents bought that house when I was six months old and I bought it from my mom right before our second child was born during the same fall I was first elected to the Illinois State Senate.
What was, in your mind, one of the most impactful bills you've passed?
The Civil Rights Act of 2005 which codified and created a state right of action for people who are suffering from government policies that have a disproportionate impact. It has enormous potential to protect communities that are traditionally discriminated against when it comes to issues like pollution, education inequity, and even some gun safety practices.
You play guitar, how did that start?
A buddy played the Beatles Red Album for me and it was like ‘oh my God the world changed’. I badgered my mom to let me learn how to play the drums and she was having none of that, so I wanted to try the bass. One of my cousins had passed down a really beaten up, low-end guitar, but I really wanted to play it and finally convinced her. I signed up for lessons my freshman year of high school at Walles Music across the street from what is now my district office on North Avenue. And Daytripper was the first song I ever learned. My sisters still make fun of that riff because I just played it over and over and over trying to master it.