Lightford applauds Pritzker investments in P-12 education

• Education

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) applauded Gov. JB Pritzker’s announcement Tuesday that he is dedicating $60 million in federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds to support P-12 education.

The funds will help bridge the digital divide, protect the health and safety of students, and overcome barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have deep concerns about making sure our students can properly continue their education in the midst of a crisis we were unprepared for,” Lightford said. “I applaud the governor for identifying these key areas and guiding funds in the best interest of our most vulnerable children.”

Early childhood programs across the state will receive $10 million to support professional development, to help address the social-emotional needs of young children through Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, and to launch a text messaging project to help parents support their children’s at-home learning. Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative programs in areas most impacted by COVID-19 will receive flexible funding to support home learning materials, personal protective equipment, technology and additional staffing.

K-12 schools will receive $50 million in three areas: closing the digital divide, training for educators and parents, and social-emotional supports for students.

“Closing the digital divide is vital for our students’ success, and it is going to take continued commitment,” Lightford said. “We need to ensure every student has an equal opportunity at a quality education, despite the challenges COVID-19 has presented, because we know these disparities are not new.”

Pritzker has announced an investment of $40 million to help close the digital divide so K-12 students can engage in robust and meaningful learning opportunities, whether in-person or at home. School districts will receive $32.5 million to purchase devices, such as laptops and tablets, and $7.5 million to purchase WiFi hotspots and increase internet connectivity for students and families.

Gov. Pritzker will invest $7.5 million in training for K-12 educators and families, so they can support students’ growth holistically and strengthen their understanding of new technologies and learning models.

The Illinois State Board of Education will receive $2.5 million to create the Student Care Department. The Student Care Department will lead the development of an inter-departmental student health and safety team, will promote best practices for social-emotional learning, will review and respond to constituent concerns about student safety and wellbeing, and will provide targeted assistance to school districts.

The application for the grants can be found here.

Lightford honors the life of Congressman John Lewis

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement in response to the loss of Congressman John Lewis Friday night.

“We lost a giant in the fight for civil rights. Congressman John Lewis unapologetically and fiercely fought for the rights of Black people and every marginalized population in our country. He carried on the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King first manifested in 1963 to his dying day, and we have to continue to carry that vision until it is reality.

“Have no doubt that we are in a movement that has the power to finally turn the tide, and if we each approach it with an ounce of the courage Congressman Lewis had, we will change our country.

“Last night, the Chicago Police department took actions against protestors that are much too reminiscent of the same actions that were taken against Congressman Lewis in his youth. We cannot be public servants if our interest is not in serving the public, and we cannot treat monuments better than we treat people.”

Lightford remembers Joyce Ann Runnels Simmons and her commitment to the 4th Senate District

MAYWOOD – With a heavy heart, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) celebrates the life of her former 4th Senate District staff and long-time family friend, Joyce Ann Runnels Simmons, who passed away on July 7. Lightford released the following statement to commemorate her life after she was laid to rest on Tuesday:

“Ms. Joyce moved next door when I was 7 years old, and our families have continued to grow a bond since then. She was like an aunt to me, and she supported me long before I had any idea where my life would go. Her ability to make everyone she encountered feel loved will be remembered by all of us who had the honor of knowing her.

“When I had the opportunity to hire her in my district office, I was overjoyed to have her caring presence there and give my constituents the opportunity to experience her loving nature. She was dedicated to the 4th Senate District as a staff person and later as a member of my 4th District Women’s Committee.

“Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Ms. Joyce, but we find peace in the memories, the way she made us feel and her unwavering faith in God. My condolences go out to her husband, Charles, and her three children, Charles Jr., Derrick and LaShaun, and the rest of her beautiful family.”

Lightford encourages school districts to apply for COVID-19 relief education grants

• Education

CHICAGO – The Illinois State Board of Education received $569 million through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is encouraging districts to apply.

In total, $512 million allocated by ISBE will go directly to Illinois school districts. The funds will support their local response to the COVID-19 pandemic while also preparing schools for unique challenges of the upcoming school year.

“Children in disproportionate communities have been at an unfair disadvantage during the pandemic,” Lightford said, “Being unable to continue your education without the adequate tools should not be a punishment. Schools should take advantage of these grants to make sure children are staying ahead.” 

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