SPRINGFIELD – Students across Illinois could soon have consent taught as a part of their sex education curriculum. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined colleagues and advocates at a press conference on Thursday in support of House Bill 3550, currently being led through the House by Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago).

“Some victims of sexual assault have remained silent for decades because they were afraid or blamed themselves,” Lightford said. “We are here to say enough to a society that polices women more for what they wear than men for how they behave, and that starts with education.”

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s first budget address on Wednesday.

Leaders of the Black Caucus discussed some of the main issues facing Black communities, ranging from criminal justice reform to higher education.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Chairman of the ILBC-

“The governor’s budget plan is a great start to tackle some of the key challenges we are facing including ensuring a living wage for working families and that students around the state receive a quality education.

“His speech was very realistic about the hole that we are in and how we can climb out of it over time, while continuing to support crucial services like mental health support and violence prevention programs.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues and the governor’s administration to guarantee that the issues facing the black community are prioritized in the next state budget.”

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

“The governor presented a plan that delivers on his commitment to education, restorative justice and social services. I am especially excited about the increase in education funding that prioritizes investment in some of our neediest districts across the state including additional funding for early childhood education and grants for low income college students.

“While we do have some work ahead of us, this is a good place to start. I look forward to exploring the governor’s proposal further and finding ways to making a lot of these promises a reality.”

 SPRINGFIELD – Minimum-wage earners statewide will see their first pay increase since 2010 under a new law raising the minimum wage to $15 by January 2025 negotiated by Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

“Today is a victory for working families across the state, and a symbol of commitment to struggling populations across the state,” Lightford said. “I commend Governor Pritzker for making a higher minimum wage a priority and look forward to working with him moving forward.”