COVID-19 does not discriminate, but our social structures do

For many people, the danger, loss and economic devastation that came with the COVID-19 emergency are new. But poverty and racism have been killing African Americans and other minorities at inordinate rates since the inception of our country. The truth remains that these communities harbor deep suspicion of the government telling them what’s best for their lives.

Yet, our current situation requires all of us to observe science and follow public health guidelines. I wear a mask, practice social distancing and have worked to bring information and resources to all people, especially those disproportionately affected by this health care pandemic and economic crisis.

I have spent the last two decades pointing out inequities and working on legislation that attempts to give poor people and racial minorities a fighting chance, but for every step forward, it feels like there is a hundred more to go. So here we are again, in the middle of another tragedy whose effects overwhelmingly rest on the shoulders of marginalized people.

In our state’s recent history, I witnessed students lose out on a quality education because of their ZIP code until we stepped in and changed the school funding formula. I witnessed the lopsided effects of a budget impasse when the legislature was at odds with Governor Rauner over funding for social services and workers’ rights. Now, I am witnessing Black and Latino people contract and succumb to COVID-19 at higher rates than other ethnicities. That is no accident. It is the result of years of intentional racism.

However, I will not let the overwhelming devastation we are facing be paralyzing. When I heard that nearly a third of our state’s students were unaccounted for since remote learning began, I pushed the Illinois State Board of Education to tighten their attendance guidelines and process for wellness checks.

When I saw the disproportionate numbers of COVID-19 cases in the Black community, I worked with Governor Pritzker and led the Black Caucus to expand testing in our communities across the state. When outbreaks began at senior homes and police departments, I personally distributed disinfectant and masks to local entities across my district to help keep them safe.

Last week, the General Assembly passed a budget that protected social services and drove CARES Act funding to communities who need it the most. We secured aid for small businesses, day cares, renters and homeowners, and expanded Medicaid to cover undocumented seniors. Furthermore, I passed a measure that protects retail workers, who have become our front line of enforcement.

At a time when we are all tasked with finding the bright side of things, I take this opportunity to extend an invitation to join me in the fight for equity, basic human rights and keeping local businesses afloat. We can all play a part in our recovery by helping a neighbor, making a donation, buying local and supporting one another.

The novel coronavirus is the great highlighter of the continued inequities in our society. In a short period of time, it has underscored almost every aspect where we fall short. We owe it to the vulnerable seniors, children falling through the cracks and displaced workers to do better.

My agenda as a senator and community leader belong to them.

Senator Kimberly A. Lightford is the Illinois senate majority leader and represents the 4th Legislative District.

Lightford backs grants for childcare providers

• Childcare
• COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD –After hearing concerns from childcare providers about the financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on them, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) made it a priority to ensure funding was available to keep them afloat.

The General Assembly recently approved this year’s budget, contained in Senate Bill 264, which provides funds for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Grant Program for childcare and daycare providers who have had to close their businesses during the current pandemic.

“Childcare providers from across my district reached out to me with concerns about having to permanently close without financial support,” Lightford said. “I went to Springfield with their concerns in mind, and I am glad we were able to drive funds to this important issue.”

Childcare centers are one of the many types of businesses that were widely affected by the closures required during the COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, childcare providers can only operate at a limited capacity to care for children of essential workers.

The grants will be distributed through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity once the program is established and funds are made available.

Lightford: Our budget focuses on those hardest hit

• Budget
• COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after the Senate approved funding for services that will put Illinois on the road to recovery from the health and economic stresses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“One budget is not going to bring our state back from such a devastating crisis, but what we can do is focus on driving resources to education, social safety nets and small businesses that have been overlooked by other aid programs.

“We were able to fund programs for struggling day cares, provide grants that will offer rent and mortgage relief, minority and small businesses, and increased funding for healthcare services with the goal of reaching those facing the depths of this pandemic.”

Lightford protects workers under new plan headed to the governor

• COVID-19
• Labor

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) led a measure through the Senate Saturday to expand disability benefits for some frontline state employees, protect retail workers from assault, and allow horse racetrack casino, or racino, employees to organize.

“The current pandemic has underlined the need for securing basic rights for working class people with disproportionate infection rates among populations with a high number of essential workers,” Lightford said.

Certain state employees, including firefighters, law enforcement and paramedics, would be eligible for an additional 60 days of paid disability leave if their injury recovery has been hindered by difficulties accessing treatment due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

To recognize the enhanced roles being asked of retail workers, battery of a retail worker would be enhanced to aggravated battery if the worker was performing duties that may include relaying directions for health care or safety, or during a declared disaster or state of emergency due to a public health emergency and for six months after either declaration.

“The recent attacks on retail workers who are trying to enforce new healthcare guidelines are completely repugnant,” Lightford said. “It is unfortunate that we have to put this provision in place to protect individuals who are just trying to keep a roof over their heads.”

Racino employees would have the opportunity to engage in collective bargaining as a requirement for any horse racetrack with more than 10 employees that wants to expand to include a casino.

“Racetrack employees have fought for their rights as workers for years,” Lightford said. “This change gives them an opportunity to have a say in their working conditions, benefits and other issues.”

Senate Bill 471 will now head to the governor’s desk for final approval.