Lightford supports Automatic Voter Registration

SPRINGFIELD— Eligible voters throughout the state will now be automatically registered to vote under legislation advanced last Thursday.

Senate Bill 250 would allow for the Secretary of State’s office and similar state agencies to submit eligible voters’ information to the State Board of Elections when they visit their facilities for services.

Currently, 42.2 percent of eligible, voting-age black citizens in Illinois aren’t registered to vote. Overall, more than 2 million Illinoisans who are eligible to vote aren’t registered.

The measure now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives, where it will be debated.

Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement:

“Just last year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. This legislation resonates that same message that our democracy should ensure that voting is accessible to every eligible person.”

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Event 2016

State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford hosted her 7th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on April 24, 2016. The event recognizes the sacrifices and commitment grandparents who are raising their grandchildren have accepted.

This year, 21 new nominees were honored and joined by 120 previous nominees. The event included dinner, raffle prizes, a presentation by Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office. Guests enjoyed entertainment by Jordan Temple Church Men of God Mime Dancers, Maywood Fine Arts and Those Funny Little People.

Oak Street Health & The Link Incorporated partnered with Senator Lightford to offer raffle prizes and offered volunteers for the event. Senator Lightford is very grateful for everyone who made the night a success. Enjoy photos from the event!

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Lightford: Human service providers have shown their commitment

SPRINGFIELD- Vital health and human service programs such as addiction services and respite care may receive more funding thanks to a measure passed by members of the Illinois State Senate today. Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement regarding SB 2038:

“This is a step in the right direction, but no one should be doing a victory lap. These programs are important to our communities and they’ve been desperately missed throughout this impasse. Some of these providers have suffered irreparable damage and it’s time we commit funding to them as they have committed themselves to our communities.”

Lightford: We need to update our approach on education funding

SPRINGFIELD- Senate Democrats sent a measure to the House that restructures the formula for distributing funds to school districts throughout the state. Senate Bill 231 increases funds for districts in need while maintaining level funding for others. Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement.

“The reality is that our current system for distributing funds to our schools is broken. This legislation may not be perfect, but if we don’t act soon we’re only going to continue failing to provide resources to children who need them most.

Our children should be prepared for their future no matter where they live. I urge my colleagues in the House to consider this measure to bring our state’s education system up to date. Our population is constantly changing and that requires changes in the way we educate our children.”   

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