Lightford: Our Community is strongest when all people can live without fear

BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement regarding ongoing tensions in Broadview:

“I continue to stand in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators who are gathering to advocate for humane immigration policies and the protection of families in our communities.

“We all firmly hold the same belief: No person should be targeted based upon the color of their skin. Chicago has long been a city that welcomes people of all backgrounds – and we must continue to uphold values of dignity, compassion and due process. Our community is strongest when all people can live without fear. I stand united in demanding justice and respect for the rights of all people.” 

Lightford brings safe, affordable housing to Maywood

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

Lightford secured $2.5 million in state funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Black Men United – a national community service organization that focuses on the restoration and rebuilding of Black communities across America under the leadership of Black men – to purchase the property.

The project includes the rehabilitation and development of housing units that not only meet high-quality living standards but also integrate emerging technologies to promote energy equity and sustainability. It is designed to ensure that residents have access to clean energy solutions and modern infrastructure. Additionally, it focuses on reducing the disproportionate energy burden that low-to-moderate income households often face — in some cases paying up to four times more than their suburban counterparts. This disparity often stems from aging, inefficient housing stock that has not received the investment needed to remain competitive or energy efficient.

“Black Men United has shown us that true leadership is about identifying problems, but also about rolling up your sleeves and building solutions,” said Lightford. “The ribbon cutting represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work, strategic planning and an unshakeable belief that our communities deserve nothing less than excellence.”

Lightford will continue to fight for funding and policies that uplift underserved communities.

Arrangements for my dear mother

As many of you know, my dear mother - Barbara Ann Beasley Lightford - passed away last week.

 

Her viewing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Carbonara Funeral Home, 1515 N. 25th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4 at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 1309 Madison St., Maywood, IL 60153, with the wake beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m.

 

A celebration of life will be held at Thursday, Sept. 4 from 2-6 p.m. at The Red Door Meeting Place, 1519 W. Roosevelt Rd., Broadview, IL 60155.

 

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share your love and stories about my mom. I'm blessed to have such a compassionate community.

Lightford law to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing that financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to maintain control over victims, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion.

"Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking should not be haunted by debts that were forced upon them during their trauma," said Lightford (D-Maywood). "We must prevent predatory collection practices that can re-traumatize survivors and hinder their path to recovery and independence."

Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking often face economic abuse in the form of a non-consensual credit transaction. This is a common tactic used to control a survivor’s financial freedom and self-sufficiency. Down the road – even if survivors are no longer surrounded by their abuser – they can face further financial trauma when a collection agency gets involved.

To prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion, Lightford led House Bill 3352. Under the law, a victim of coerced debt will not be liable for the debt – but will rather submit a form to a collection agency outlining the debt came from coercion.

“Financial security is essential to breaking cycles of abuse and ensures that survivors aren't pursued for debts they never freely chose to incur,” said Lightford. “This is a positive step toward removing that significant barrier and allowing people to remove themselves from the effects of economic coercion.”

House Bill 3352 was signed into law Friday.