SPRINGFIELD- 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. Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) leads a proposal that would keep more at-risk preschool students in the classroom.

The proposal, which was approved in the Senate today, 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 Illinois Senate recently approved legislation that would restructure the way money is distributed to school districts throughout the state based on need. Senate Bill 1 uses an evidence-based model to determine where state dollars are most effective by placing school districts in three tiers and prioritizing those with the most need, which is determined by reviewing 27 elements of education.

Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) gave the following speech during debate on Senate Bill 1:

SPRINGFIELD- In response to concerns surrounding the lack of awareness surrounding the importance of cancer screening among veterans, Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) passed legislation through the Senate today that establishes the Veterans’ Cancer Screening Program.

“Early cancer detection can make all the difference for many who are diagnosed,” Lightford said. “We know that a number of veterans were exposed to conditions that could result in cancer, and it is important that we are raising awareness and helping our veterans get screened.”

SPRINGFIELD— Re-enrolled dropouts could receive more resources under legislation steered by Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) that was approved in the Senate today.

School districts with a high dropout rate would receive more funding for each student that was dropped from enrollment rolls for at least one month and was re-enrolled into an evidence-based and best practices program for high school dropouts.