SPRINGFIELD- More minorities could soon be eligible for the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program under a plan led by Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) that was approved in the Senate today.

Senate Bill 1739 allows licensed teachers pursuing additional teaching endorsements or a master’s degree in an academic field related to the subject they currently teach or plan to teach to apply for the MTI scholarship.

Children in public preschools are more than three times more likely to be expelled than children in kindergarten through 12th grades, according to a report by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois. Today, Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined a group of law enforcement officials and colleagues from both chambers to discuss a proposal that would keep more at-risk preschool students in the classroom.

The proposal, which was approved in the House with significant bipartisan support 95-20, would prohibit the expulsion of children enrolled in early childhood programs receiving grants from the Illinois State Board of Education. The legislation focuses on transitioning children to programs that better fit a child’s needs.

SPRINGFIELD- The National Association of Social Workers’ Illinois Chapter honored Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) with the 2017 NASW IL Social Work Senator of the Year Award. The award was presented in appreciation for her support of the 7,000 NASW IL members and over 20,000 social workers statewide.

Senator Lightford has a record of supporting social workers and the work they do to enhance human well-being and helping meet the basic needs of all people.

SPRINGFIELD- Districts with high dropout rates could soon receive more funding to help retain students under a proposal led by Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) that was approved in the Senate Education Committee yesterday.

“There is a disincentive to re-enroll dropouts based on low attendance rates, and the resources to get students back on track are not available to guarantee their success,” Lightford said.