SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) responded to an incident in Kenosha, Wisc. where officers shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times at point blank range. The footage of the Sunday afternoon shooting has been shared widely, and has continued protests against police brutality across the country. Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the ILBC Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood released the following statement:

“Mr. Blake exemplified community by taking the initiative to deescalate a domestic dispute, and somehow he ended up being shot by an officer multiple times. I do not know how to explain that, but I do know that this is not what public safety looks like.

“Learning that Mr. Blake’s children witnessed their father’s shooting is infuriating and deeply heartbreaking. I hate the idea that they now have this horrendous trauma to deal with, and I hope Mr. Blake recovers so they can have their father for years to come. We extend our prayers to Mr. Blake and all of his loved ones as he fights to recover from this tragedy.

“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus continues to push for an end to police brutality and equity for Black people across our state, and we hope to inspire changes in our neighboring states and across our country.”

CHICAGO – To increase awareness of economic development in underserved communities, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announced the Village of Maywood will receive a grant through the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program. 

“I would like to thank Governor Pritzker for consistently prioritizing communities with the most need,” Lightford said. “It’s necessary to lead from a perspective that prioritizes underserved areas while also addressing the need for growth beyond the pandemic.”

The Fast Track program was created by the state to provide emergency assistance for businesses and communities facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Currently, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched more than $300 million in emergency relief programs, with most of the funding available for businesses. 

The Village of Maywood was awarded $382,375 to replace its water main. The funding for the Fast Track program comes from the Illinois statewide construction plan, known as Rebuild Illinois. Eligible applicants were required to prove projects were located in an undeserved area, had Business Enterprise Program inclusion plans, and could start within 90 days after being awarded. 

To find out other cities that have been awarded the Fast-Track grant, click here.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) encourages local residents to fill out the 2020 Census by emphasizing the importance of being counted, especially as we face unprecedented issues today. Please visit www.2020census.gov to fill out your census.

BROOKFIELD –Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) held her 11th Annual Back-to-School event August 9 at Brookfield Zoo.

“Due to the public health crisis, we had to do the event a little differently, so we had a parade for the community. A number of cars came through to get supplies, literature, information, backpacks, snacks and food,” Lightford said.

Participants were asked to stay in their vehicles as they drove around the lot and received the different giveaways at a number of stops along the way. There was also a DJ playing music at the center of the lot to entertain families as they picked up supplies.

Nearly 100 cars drove through the back-to-school parade. Lightford’s office has distributed 1,000 backpacks with supplies.

“Our kids are the most important to me, and I want to make sure they know that regardless of if they are at home or if they are in school, it is important that they get a good, quality education,” Lightford said. “A good education opens doors, and I want them and their families to know that I support them on 100% on getting that education.”

The event was sponsored by Meijer, Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action, the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Counting on Chicago Coalition, Stand for Children, Peoples Gas, Ameren, Marc Realty, Black Star Project, Illini Healthcare, PepsiCo, Nicor Gas, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Proviso Township Census.