SPRINGFIELD – Applications for early childhood funding are being accepted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for the 2021 fiscal year, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announced Friday.

The governor, General Assembly and Lightford have dedicated themselves to early childhood to make Illinois the finest state for families to raise young children.

“Early childhood education is an essential part of a child’s life,” Lightford said. “It is important we invest in strong educational beginnings that will give our children more opportunity for success in their future.”

Early childhood programs are a factor in closing challenging gaps that ensure children entering school are prepared for successes that lasts a lifetime. The 2018 Kindergarten Individual Development Survey showed that only 26% of students in the state enrolled in kindergarten with math, literacy and social-emotional learning skills expected for children at their age. Investment in early childhood programs is necessary in order to improve the quantity of enrollment and the quality of support.

Applicants in the geographic areas that are considered Tier 1 or Tier 2, which are in the greatest need of additional resources, will be a funding priority for ISBE.

Nearly 40 percent of ECBG funds will go to Chicago Public Schools, and 25 percent will go to Prevention Initiative programs, according to state statute.

Applicants are required to receive a quality score of at least 60 to be eligible for funding. Further criteria for eligibility and the Request for Proposals can be found at www.isbe.net/ecbg.

Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on March 23.

Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) encourages Illinois residents to get involved with the 2020 Census by applying for a number of jobs currently available. For more information and to learn more about jobs with the 2020 Census visit 2020Census.gov/jobs.

SPRINGFIELD – Ten local school districts will receive more than $16,000 in grants through the Illinois secretary of state’s School Library Grant program, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announced today.

The grants, which are issued by the Illinois State Library, are meant to help public schools offer more library books and materials to students.

“I am delighted that many deserving schools will benefit from this years’ library grants,” said Lightford. “Having access to new library books and additional educational materials encourages students to experience the joy of reading and learning exciting information.”

Schools receiving school library grants include:

• Bellwood School District 88 — $1,656.75
• Berkeley School District 87 — $1,797
• Proviso Township High School District 209 — $3,254.25
• Forest Park School District 91 — $750
• Hillside School District 93 — $750
• Lyons Township High School District 204 — $3,038.25
• LaGrange School District 102 — $2,209.50
• Komarek District 94 — $750
• River Forest School District 90 — $1,072.50
• Westchester School District 92.5 — $815.25

SPRINGFIELD -- Outraged by allegations brought forth by a recent WBEZ story about the possible cover up of a rape detailed in a state government email exchange, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) urged that appropriate authorities, including the Champaign County State’s Attorney, the Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Executive Inspector General, take immediate steps to investigate this report.

The WBEZ story referenced a 2012 email to officials in then-Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration sent by lobbyist Michael McClain that among other things makes mention of a state employee who kept quiet about “the rape in Champaign”, asking that the administration keep that individual employed by the state.

Majority Leader Lightford issued the following statement regarding this incident:

“As a woman, a mother and a survivor of sexual assault I am sickened by the idea that anyone would infer that covering up rape should ever be interpreted as a form of loyalty. This is the type of behavior that keeps women and sexual assault survivors living in fear, and it can never be tolerated. Based on the revelations in this email, I know there is someone out there reliving their nightmare and awaiting justice for their assault. I want them to know they do not to be afraid any longer and I offer them my full support, assistance and compassion.”

Lightford also called on anyone with knowledge of this incident to contact the appropriate authorities, including:

If you have information please contact:

Champaign County State’s Attorney, 217-384-3733
Illinois State Police, 217-786-7107
Illinois Executive Inspector General, 217-558-5600 or 312-814-5600