Lightford hosts informative town hall on the state of education at CPS

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is hosting an informative town hall meeting to discuss the state of education within the Chicago Public School system. 

“Education is critical to social, economic and health justice,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “With the right school support, our students of today become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Residents are encouraged to join Lightford and a variety of experts and stakeholders on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. The in-person event will be held at the Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School, located at 5101 W. Harrison St. in Chicago.

The town hall will educate and inform residents about the state of education within CPS, and give them the opportunity to ask questions of both Lightford and industry experts.

The event is free and open to the public. People with questions can contact Lightford’s office at 708-632-4500.

Flood assistance resources for the Austin community

The Austin Community suffered from home and property damages during the July storms earlier this year. Below are resources for those who experienced flooding due to the storms. Please review and reach out to my office should you need further assistance at (708) 632-4500.

Lightford champions law that addresses EMT staffing shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing staff shortages in the EMS workforce, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to attract and retain EMS workers.

“The pandemic further exacerbated how vital the EMS professionals are,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We need to expand the workforce by prioritizing recruitment and retention of highly-skilled workers.”

Senate Bill 761 works to tackle the emergency medical field workforce shortage head on by allowing more flexibility for EMS directors to use alternative staffing models and creating a task force to bring greater training, recruitment and retention to the field.

Currently, there is a shortage of EMS instructors in particular. Lightford’s law will allow people interested in becoming an instructor to bypass taking an IDPH-approved course if they have sufficient experience to become a director. This will help recruit individuals from other states by eliminating unnecessary hoops when moving to Illinois.

“There are plenty of well-trained people who are ready and willing to step up to lead,” said Lightford. “Let’s put that opportunity in reach. Helping EMS workers helps our community.”

Senate Bill 761 was signed into law Friday.

Lightford brings trauma-responsive practices to schools, prioritizing mental health needs of students

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon her steadfast commitment to ensure Illinois schools are taking a trauma-responsive approach, Senator Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford championed a new law to bring more training and resources to the education system.

“School officials should be equipped to identify the warning signs of mental illness, trauma and suicidal behavior in youth,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Training is crucial to encouraging appropriate trauma-responsive intervention and techniques in schools.”

The Whole Child Task Force establishes an equitable, safe, inclusive and supportive environment in all schools for students dealing with trauma and mental health issues. The task force collects data on adverse childhood experiences and trauma, as well as the total number of school counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists in Illinois schools.

As a part of the Black Caucus’ Four Pillar Agenda that Lightford spearheaded, House Bill 342 implements recommendations to the Whole Child Task Force Report to improve schools in Illinois by ensuring that all schools are equipped with training and resources to meet the diverse trauma and mental health needs of their students.

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