MAYWOOD - In solidarity with protestors across the nation, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) welcomed colleagues of the Caucus of Black Elected Officials to the Fred Hampton Aquatic Center Sunday.

“I have been that angry Black woman for 21 years, and I am not going to stop being that angry Black woman until we have access to resources,” Lightford said. “For those of us who have experienced institutional racism and sexism, do not give up. Do not give in. Do not feel oppressed. Find someone like Representative Welch, Clerk Karen Yarbrough or Mayor Thompson that will fight with you.”

The event was the fourth in a series of events that came together shortly after a weekend of unrest across Chicago that resulted in the looting of a number of local businesses. Lightford was joined by Gov. JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Senate President Don Harmon, Rep. Chris Welch, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, local mayors and trustees, and other West Suburban leaders.

“We are here in Maywood, a stop on the Underground Railroad 400 years ago as our ancestors sought freedom,” Stratton said. “And today, we are still seeking freedom.”

Those who attended received food, hand sanitizer, census information and other helpful resources. They also heard from legislators about the issues in the Western Suburbs and what changes they expect to see.

“There is not justice without police accountability. There is not justice without criminal justice reform. There is not justice without reversing the disinvestment and instead making significant investments in our Black communities,” Pritzker said.

Legislators continue to support peaceful protests as they work on an agenda that answers the call to action.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 21 budget, found in Senate Bill 264, providing funding for services that will put Illinois on the road to recovery from the health and economic stresses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“When we approved this budget, we did not think we would be in the middle of a movement today. I am proud of the work we did to bring much-needed funds to minority communities that were placed in the path of the COVID-19 storm as a result of decades of systemic racism.

“This budget is only the beginning of reimagining our state. We will continue to fight boldly for basic human rights through a path that not only recognizes the wrongs of the past, but turns the tide once and for all. I look forward to continuing this important work alongside Governor Pritzker and my colleagues in the General Assembly.”

Funds will Enable Businesses Throughout Illinois to Identify, Compete for, and Win Government Contracts – Deadline to Apply is July 10, 2020

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced a new grant opportunity for the renewal or establishment of new Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) – a statewide network focused on matching small business with governmental entities seeking goods and services that the businesses offer. Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released today, the State will make up to $816,000 available in federal and state funds for new or existing community-based PTACs to offer continued support in helping small businesses become certified so they can identify and obtain contracts with local government and their contractors.

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June 7, 2020
Brooke Schlyer

MAYWOOD (WSIL) -- A group of state lawmakers are calling for police reform and at least a billion dollars of investment into black communities.

For the fourth day in a row, members of the Joint Caucus of Black Elected Officials held a "Day of Action" event discussing the death of George Floyd and solutions to systemic racism.

These events have been taking place all around Cook County but most recently on Sunday at the Fred Hampton Pool in Maywood.

That's where those in attendance including Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford and State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch demanded change.

Welch had the crowd repeat the group's demands in front of Governor JB Pritkzer who also spoke at the event.

"Our demand, governor, is for real police accountability," Welch had the crowd repeat. "Our demand, governor, is for a billion dollars of investment. Right here in our community."

Welch went on to say that police reform and investment is how the state can help to correct the wrongs of the past.

The state representative ended his speech with the crowd repeating him one last time.

"Our demand is for a billion dollars in every black community," he said. "Because black lives matter."

You can watch the full speech here.