Black Caucus: State of the State speech lacked scope, vision

The message was clear and the call for action united as members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus gathered outside the Senate chamber to voice their response to Governor Rauner’s State of the State address.

The press conference began with ILBC Chair Kimberly Lightford giving opening remarks setting the stage for a number of initiatives important to the African-American community to be discussed, including education equity, restoring essential social services and police brutality and incarceration reform. She then introduced Senator Donne Trotter.

I would like to stand before you and say, ‘Wow, wasn’t that a great speech,’” said Trotter, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations II Committee. “But I, along with my [fellow] members standing with me, was totally underwhelmed by the governors’ story… pointing the blame to the people who are suffering.”

The Black Caucus has continued to focus on social justice for needy children going without mental health services, struggling parents who have lost home care and the elderly who now have to consider high-cost nursing homes. The caucus fights for these causes while advocating for responsible fiscal management on behalf of state government without saddling these vulnerable populations with an undo financial burden.

“We were all created equal, but that does not mean we were all created equally as rich,” said Sen. Trotter. “We need the support of a governor who understands that, and is willing to lend a hand and direction and governorship to the cause.”

Rep. LaShawn K. Ford talked about the path to economic success, job innovation and a reduction in criminal activity as dependent upon Illinois students being prepared for the workforce – prepared to fill these highly competitive positions.

“We know that without funding community colleges, it is a direct attack on job readiness in the state of Illinois,” said Rep. Ford. He continued, “And we can reduce crime by putting people to work.”

The caucus believes reforming our K-12 education system to benefit all students and giving poorer students just as much of a chance at success as those in the wealthier suburbs is our only just path forward. Illinois can stay competitive with other states when it comes to higher education, but we cannot do it by taking away our state’s biggest tool – MAP grants.

“We need to make sure we are no longer playing games with those who have gotten MAP grants who could be the first generation in their family to go to college, helping their family grasp that wrung of economic opportunity. We need to end [the games] now,” said Mitchell. “And we need to fix the formula now. We need more funding for [K-12] public education.”

Rep. Sonya Harris spoke on the importance of senior care and their lack of assistance under this governor. Due to rising thresholds for service eligibility and staff cuts, there are many seniors who depend on Community Cares and other programs, who are finding themselves without proper care, such as medication monitoring and hot meals.

Rep. Welch pointed out that the caucus didn’t hear the governor talk about ways to keep our universities open to produce the talent we need to stay competitive, while Sen. Van Pelt strongly advocated for a stronger focus on police brutality that the governor did not lay out in his speech. 

According to her, police brutality should be a primary concern for the governor, as well as prisoner reintegration, prevention programs and keeping our police accountable.

A sense of lost confidence among African Americans has left many in the community feeling unsure of how to engage the police forces sworn to protect them. Sen. Van Pelt introduced legislation addressing police misconduct records and public access to video and audio records of police encounters.

As the press conference closed, Senator Lightford summed up the Black Caucus’ feelings on the speech, which, according to them, lacked “scope” and “vision.”

“I’m in awe with governor’s speech. He absolutely said nothing to address the homelessness that has taken shape and our [lack of] affordable housing,” said Kimberly A. Lightford. “He said nothing about his lack of governing. In fact, he just spent a lot of time accusing everyone else for not doing their job, when in fact, he has done a lousy job as governor.”

Members of the ILBC speaking at the press conference included Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Senator Donne Trotter, Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Representative Christian Mitchell, Representative Sonya Harper, Representative Chris Welch and Senator Patricia Van Pelt.

Lightford: I will keep repeating the call

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s State of the State address, Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement.

“While it is good to hear that the governor may be changing his tone on education and criminal justice reform, there are still children and teens in Berwyn right now that aren’t receiving mental health counseling today because of this continued impasse.

“There are parents who haven’t had the security of child care services for months. College students in Chicago and across the state don’t know how long their universities will stay open, and that’s if they aren’t already leaving school because of MAP grants going unfunded.

“No words are going to change any of this – only actions. Until I see substantive progress, my patience with this charade of cooperation has all but dissolved. I will keep repeating the call for responsible, humane action on these issues until every student, child and family has what they need to succeed and has a fighting chance at a healthy, happy life.”

Rauner’s unnecessary hostile takeover

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the forthcoming legislation seeking to allow for the bankruptcy and government takeover of the city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools being pushed by the governor and Republican leaders, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement.

“The Republican administration has gone too far, and the governor has shirked his real duties to the people. If he wants so desperately to restructure Chicago Public Schools, he should start by restructuring the systemic prejudice that continues to permeate our children’s schools.

“Chicago is not a third world country to be seized by a government. This is not our path to success. All of our leaders need to treat Chicago students and teachers with respect, value them as equally as any other student or teacher and be willing to proactively restructure our education system for the next generation.”

Prioritizing disabled students in 2016

SPRINGFIELD – On Jan.1, 2016, students with developmental disabilities will find it easier to get the help they and their families need. Sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D – Maywood), a new law that goes into effect the first of the year requires the state to train public school case workers to register disabled students with PUNS (Prioritization or Urgency of Need for Services) database.

The database records information about individuals with developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services. Experts have argued that due to a lack of awareness, PUNS is under-utilized, and therefore, people with developmental disabilities across the state are not getting the services they need.

“Our education system should be optimized to serve and develop all students to reach their fullest potential,” said Sen. Lightford. “This law is protecting our children and families from being overlooked or neglected through the power of institutional and academic synergy.”

The law will ensure students in Illinois public schools and parents have the information they need to register with PUNS if they so choose.

DHS and ISBE would develop a program for and conduct the training of public school employees so they are as prepared as possible to provide these students and their families with the information and advice they need. The law also requires ISBE to inform parents and guardians about updates with the PUNS waiting list through the school districts.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. An effort to increase awareness of this valuable resource
2. New training program for case workers to ensure students and parents in all public schools are well aware of the opportunities afforded to disabled students by signing up
3. Yearly opportunities for individuals to sign up for the PUNS list to be provided in cases where training is not available
4. Applies to all public school districts
5. DHS choosing individuals based on need level and available funding
6. Passed House unanimously, Senate concurred unanimously

In addition, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus has a list on its website of 16 pieces of the legislation that will become effective Jan 1.