SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) was appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to the newly created Census Advisory Panel intended to guarantee that “hard-to-count” communities are accurately surveyed in the upcoming census.

“The commitment to executing the census in Illinois is vital, as it directly correlates with the amount of representation and federal resources our state will receive,” said Lightford. “It is our constitutional duty to ensure that every resident from Cook County to Alexander County is counted.”

Pritzker’s executive order follows a record $29 million investment for census implementation, the largest per-person allocation made by any state in the nation.

Read more ...

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) celebrated the governor’s signing of three measures that will provide security and support for undocumented immigrants across Illinois.

“I’m humbled to be a part of legislation that gives immigrants and underserved populations refuge and more opportunities to follow their dreams,” Lightford said. “We welcome those who come to our state looking to take care of their families and break the generational curse of poverty.”

The following legislation was signed into law last week:

• House Bill 2691, which provides access to financial aid for undocumented students, and some groups of transsexual, African American and other students who have limited access to aid.
• House Bill 2040, which bars the state and local communities from entering into contracts for private immigration detention centers.
• House Bill 1637, which bars law enforcement agreements that deputize police to act as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

House Bills 2040 and 1637 are now under effect, while HB 2691 goes into effect on Jan. 1.

SPRINGFIELD – Low-income and immigrant populations across Illinois will soon have access to legal representation under the state’s newly enacted spending plan.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) spearheaded the investment that was sparked by an initiative presented earlier this session.

“Some of our most vulnerable populations are getting lost in a justice system that is, by design, difficult for them to navigate,” Lightford said. “Providing support for families who need legal services not only serves them, but also keeps us from incarcerating people who could be helped in a different way.”

Read more ...

CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker signed the state budget and fair tax legislation on Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) reacted with the following:

“After four very long years, it is refreshing to deliver a budget that meets the needs of our state with a disciplined and realistic approach. We prioritized education from early childhood to higher education, and strengthened our safety-net services to provide a hand up to struggling families.

“Also, I am excited to give voters the opportunity to decide whether our state should implement a fair tax, and just as important, provide them a picture of what tax rates would look like if they approve it.”