Lightford: It’s time to get back to learning

SPRINGFIELD – Students across the state have been waiting eagerly for positive action on MAP grant funding. To that end, today, the Illinois Senate passed through a legislative override of the governor’s veto of essential MAP grant dollars for college students.

“We all say we take pride in education and that academics are a priority – myself included,” said Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D – Maywood). “I just voted to put our state’s dollars where my values have always been, and I will continue to fight for the issues that we all know are most important for our future. Now, let’s pass a fair budget and keep our students funded for years to come.”

The dollars being pushed through for students represents a healthy increase when compared to last year. The $32 million increase in funding could stand to benefit an additional 15,000 students across the state, including many in the Chicago area.

“It’s time to return to learning.” said Lightford. “For many college students, they have had their education stifled by politics and unwilling leadership. We have now overpowered the governor’s lack of leadership and given financially vulnerable Illinois students the help they need. ”

Adult education programs have been hit by the budget impasse particularly hard and have had to cut classes and faculty hours as a consequence. The new law provides over $32 million for adult education and literacy activities.

Schools made MAP claims of about $164 million on behalf of about 102,000 students for the first term of the 2015 - 2016 school year.

Community: Tyree Leadership Award - SAFER - Harbor 57

FEMA program applications

The FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) application period is currently open through Friday, March 25, 2016 at 4 PM CST. The program is intended to provide funding directly to fire departments and national, state, local or tribal organizations representing the interests of volunteer firefighters to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities and provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

This year the program has $340 million in funding, and “10 percent is set aside for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.”

I encourage local departments to apply as volunteer, career and combination departments: all eligible for at least one grant category.

Please see the link below for more information and access to the application.

https://www.fema.gov/staffing-adequate-fire-emergency-response-grants

ILBC MAP Grant Rally

Note: When printing flyer, make sure print size is set on "letter," otherwise you may loose some words on flyer

Hillside School Annual Career Day

Senator Lightford recently had the privilege of speaking to 7th and 8th grade students at Hillside School's Annual Career Day. Senator spoke to 60 students who were eager to learn more about civic engagement. The young scholars were even led in a mock civic engagement walk-through to gain a better understanding of the democratic process.

Students received free school supplies and water bottles for their participation. See the photos from the event below!

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