Black Caucus outraged at Van Dyke sentencing

• Black Caucus
• Van Dyke
• Laquan McDonald

CHICAGO— A day after three Chicago Police officers were acquitted in trying to cover up Laquan McDonald’s murder, Jason Van Dyke, the former officer responsible for the shooting, was dealt a sentence of 81 months. Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement on the sentencing:

“The lack of accountability for officers like Jason Van Dyke and his former colleagues sends a clear message that our judicial system in no way protects the public from officers who abuse their position.

“We share in the anger of community members and activists who are tired of repeated denials of justice at the hands of our judicial system. For generations, too many officers who have sworn to protect have instead targeted, oppressed and traumatized our community. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is committed to continuing the work desperately needed to reform a judicial system that values our lives less than others.”

Black Caucus: Officers’ acquittal perpetuates systemic injustice

CHICAGO — Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement regarding the acquittal of three Chicago police officers, David March, Thomas Gaffney and Joseph Walsh, charged with covering up for a fellow officer, Jason Van Dyke, who shot and killed Laquan McDonald:

“Today’s decision is not only a slap in the face to Mr. McDonald’s family, but it negatively impacts the black community as a whole because it perpetuates a system that allows a code of silence to continue among police.

“Our officers are sworn to protect and serve everyone, not just a chosen few. This is unfair and disproportionately affects minority communities. It must stop.

“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will continue to work with constituents, activists and the police to end systemic injustice."

Lightford: Gun dealer certification law brings hope for gun reform

• gun violence

CHICAGO- A proposal that regulates gun dealers in an effort to limit the illegal sale of firearms and make more information on gun crimes available to the public became law today.

Senate Bill 337 was approved in the aftermath of the shooting at Parkland High School in Florida and in response to the senseless loss of lives throughout Illinois. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement on the signing of the new law:

“For years, we have seen tragedy after tragedy throughout Illinois and across the country, and this is a victory for those who decided that our communities deserve better. This law brings us step closer to keeping guns out of the wrong hands, and brings some comfort to those who have lost a loved one.

“Governor Pritzker’s support for this legislation brings hope that we will be able to work on more commonsense gun measures moving forward.”

Solar Energy Town Hall Meeting

• Event

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is hosting a Solar Energy Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 73.