Returning residents, mixed-status families eligible for new Chicago fund

CHICAGO – A new cash assistance program will provide financial support to Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announced.

“Our families who were left out of federal aid packages have been facing massive levels of uncertainty during already difficult times,” Lightford said. “I applaud the Open Society Foundations and other funders for their commitment to helping fill the gap for people who may feel abandoned by their government. Also, thank you to Mayor Lightfoot and The Resurrection Project for their partnership in these efforts. ”

The City of Chicago announced the launching of the Chicago Resiliency Fund Wednesday. The $5 million fund was established with the help of a group of funders, including Open Society Foundations.

The Resurrection Project, a longstanding nonprofit organization committed to creating healthier communities throughout Chicago, will serve as the lead fiscal agent for the fund. To ensure as many eligible Chicagoans participate as possible, The Resurrection Project will convene a diverse group of community-based organizations to conduct outreach and identify households excluded from the federal stimulus relief including: Access Living, ARISE, Austin People Action Center, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Centro de Trabajadores Unidos, Centro Romero, Chicago Community and Worker’s Rights, Chicago State University, Communities United, Enlace Chicago, Habilitate Systems, Hana Center Heartland Alliance, Indo-American Center, Latino Union, Latinos Progresando, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Northwest Side Housing Center, Puitak Center, Southwest Organizing Project, United African Organization, Austin Coming Together, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, Greater Grow Englewood, Metropolitan Family Services and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

The fund will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicagoans, including undocumented individuals, mixed-status families, those recently released from jail, low-income college students, dependent adults and people experiencing homelessness. Applications will become available June 22. Find more information and apply at www.resurrectionproject.org/chicagofund.

Lightford joins Black elected officials at West Suburban Day of Action

• Black Caucus

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.

Lightford: This budget begins to reimagine our state

• Budget
• COVID-19

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.”

State of Illinois announces nearly $1 million available for Illinois procurement technical assistance centers

• BEP

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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