SPRINGFIELD- Legislation that would create a process for eligible voters to be automatically registered was vetoed by Governor Bruce Rauner today.

Senate Bill 250 would allow for the Secretary of State’s office and similar state agencies to submit eligible voters’ information to the State Board of Elections when they visit their facilities for services.

Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement:

“Minority groups throughout our history have fought for the right to vote, and we should be continuing that legacy of promoting participation in our democracy. I will remain in support of this measure and hope to see it come to fruition in the near future.”

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Funding for programs serving children ages birth to three will continue to increase under a proposal that was signed into law today. Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) led efforts to ensure this funding increase would not sacrifice support for other early childhood programs.

Senate Bill 238 requires 25 percent of any increase in funding for early childhood education must go to birth to three programs.

“Educating our children requires us to invest the proper resources to ensure their success,” Lightford said. “We have made great efforts in improving developmental education over the last ten years. This legislation helps us to continue that work and move toward closing under achievement gaps without taking away from other valuable early childhood education programs.” 

Under current law, Early Childhood Block Grant funds directed to programs for children age 0-3 were required to increase to at least 20 percent of all available block grant funding in 2016. Unfortunately, due to lack of funds the increase would have resulted in a loss of funding for programs that serve children aged 3-5.

SB 238 fixes this unintended consequence. The new law is effective immediately.

Saturday June 18, 2016 Senator Lightford and the 4th District Women’s Committee hosted the 8th Annual “We Love Our Men” Prostate Awareness for Father’s Day Event. The 4th District Women’s Committee visited about 20 Barbershops. The committee was accompanied by nurses from Loyola and Loretto Hospital.

During the visits to the shops the medical staff was able to educate the community on early detection, risk and treatment of Prostate Cancer. In addition to providing education, there were over 300 gift bags with Prostate Cancer Awareness information and goodies distributed.

The 8th Annual Prostate Awareness Event was wonderful and was well received by the barbershops' owners and clients. Senator Lightford hopes to continue to stay engaged with the community, especially as it relates to sharing valuable information on Prostate Cancer. It's important to continue communicating on this serious health challenge as an effort to decrease the death rate and increase the importance of early detection.