SPRINGFIELD – Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s Budget Address Wednesday with the following statement:

“As a career-long advocate for early childhood education, I am excited to hear that Governor Pritzker intends to invest and strengthen programs that support children from birth to age five. Beyond that, he has a plan to invest in all levels of education, suicide prevention and criminal justice.

“The budgeting process is always difficult, but starting with a vision focused on our most vulnerable populations is always a good beginning.”

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) held a Social Equity Cannabis Workshop Tuesday in partnership with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide technical assistance to those wanting to apply for a transporter, infuser or craft grower license.

The event took place at the Columbus Park Refectory and attracted more than 150 participants.

“One of the major goals in legalizing adult-use cannabis was to ensure underprivileged communities were going to have an opportunity to participate in the industry,” Lightford said. “I am committed to seeing that goal through, and that starts with offering these type of informational events.”

Attendees listened to presentations from Renee Hatcher, director of the Community Enterprise and Solidarity Economy Clinic at The John Marshall Law School, Alma Tello, deputy director for the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment at DCEO, and Tierra Bradford with Accion, an investment firm specializing in underserved entrepreneurs.

Those looking for further support for social equity applicants should contact The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment. The cannabis hotline is 877-221-4403 and the email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Documents and presentations from the event are linked below.

DCEO Cannabis Program Financial Assistance: Social Equity Loan Program Presentation

DCEO Illinois Adult Use Cannabis Craft Grower, Infuser, and Transporter Licenses Handout

DCEO Social Equity Cannabis Loans Handout

UIC John Marshall Law School: IL Cannabis Licensing and Social Equity Applicant Requirements

SPRINGFIELD – Property taxes will be lowered for some homeowners and business owners in South Suburban communities thanks to a new state grant program that seeks to lift some of the burden on school districts that are heavily taxed.

The Property Tax Relief Grant is part of the education funding reform package that has been put in place to level the playing field to better serve struggling school districts.
“This is a positive step forward in bringing long-term property tax relief to the community of Broadview,” Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) said.

SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday.

Leaders of the Black Caucus discussed key issues brought up by the governor’s address that specifically affect black communities throughout the state, including early childhood education, health care and criminal justice reform.