SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement after the governor outlined his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025:

“As we navigate the fiscal landscape of our state, it is imperative to craft a budget that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of all Illinoisans, addresses the key issues facing our communities and fosters sustainable economic growth. The proposed $13 million investment to launch the Department of Early Childhood will ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.

“Investing in education is investing in our future. I continue to stand in support of allocating additional funds to enhance K-12 education, ensuring that every student has access to quality resources and opportunities. This includes ensuring adequate funding for underprivileged schools and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing the opportunity gap.

“We must put forth a budget that outlines strategic investments in education, health care, infrastructure and economic development to address the diverse needs of Illinois residents. By working collaboratively and making prudent financial decisions, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after the passage of Senate Bill 1559:

“I am proud to have led Senate Bill 1559, which moves us another step forward in our journey to ensuring the cannabis industry is fair and equitable. The industry has the potential to change lives – but that’s only possible if we keep the principles of equity at the center of every decision we make.

“The two-year moratorium on new transporter licenses will give independent transporters the opportunity to grow and thrive – helping many Black majority owners be successful in the Illinois cannabis industry.”

Senate Majority Leader Lightford had an amazing kick off to the State Of Education Town Hall Informational in the 4th Senate District, which was well attended last night with over 80 people. The expert panelist made participants aware of the current issues and concerns children in the CPS school system are faced with daily. The issues and concerns we learned about are inequity, reasonable classroom sizes, resources in black and brown schools and geographic areas. We learned that literacy levels are some of the lowest in the country and that truancy is one of the biggest issues schools are facing. Teacher shortage is an ongoing issue for CPS as well as across the nation. In Illinois, the need for diversity and inclusion in CPS Administrators and teachers is at an all time high. The question was posed: how beneficial is standardizing testing for students' academic progress? Or, should CPS focus this time on classroom learning. The need for students to learn current history and past history of interest, should be driven by Cultural Learning Curriculum. Lastly, The Parent University is a growing support system, however the need for more parents involvement is critical to the development of the whole child.

Hosted at Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School. The panelist consisted of the following: Felica Sanders Chief School Officer for Chicago Public Schools; Tara Stamps Administrative Director of New Teacher Development, Chicago Teachers Union; Dr. Monique Redeau President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers; Jessica Handy Executive Director for Stand; Ralph Martire Executive Director for Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; Claiborne Wade a Parent Advocate of Family Focus; and Valerie Leonard Co-Founder of Illinois African Americans for Equitable Redistricting. 

CHICAGO – A longtime advocate of enhancing early childhood support in Illinois, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford stood in support of a proposed new state agency to administer early childhood education programs.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The new agency – which would be created legislatively – would focus on administering early childhood education programs. It would be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.