SPRINGFIELD- The Illinois Senate sent a proposal to the governor’s desk today that would provide vital funding for schools and human services. Senate Bill 2047 provides stopgap funding to programs for seniors, youth employment, autism, mental health and cancer screenings. Furthermore, the legislation provides funding for P-12 education that ensures schools will open this fall.

“Quality educational opportunities can only come when students are in school, teachers have necessary resources in the classroom and parents have faith that the level of education their child is receiving is outstanding,” Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D - Maywood) said. “We need to continue working toward equitable funding for our schools, however making sure doors would open in the fall is a top priority right now.”

The West Side Health Authority’s crisis intervention program will receive funding that allows them to continue providing services to West Side residents with critical health needs.  The initiative coordinated in-home wellness visits and case management services to residents.

“Our human service providers have kept their commitment to the most vulnerable populations in our state throughout this impasse,” Lightford said. “I’m glad we’re able to provide some funding to keep them going as this fight continues.”

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On Saturday May 7, 2016 AssistantMajority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and the 4th District Gentlemen’s Committee hosted the 5th Annual “We Adore Our Women” Mammograms for Mother’s Day Event.

Accompanying the Senator and the committee were doctors and nurses  from Loyola and Loretto Hospitals.

While visiting salons, the medical staff were able to educate the community on early detection, risk and treatment.In addition to providing information, over 240 gift bags with  Breast Cancer Awareness information and goodies were distributed.

Senator Lightford enjoyed an awesome day with the 4th District community. In hosting this annual event, she hopes to continue to bring light to Breast Cancer in an effort to decrease the death rate and increase awareness to the importance of early detection.

Enjoy photos from the event below.

SPRINGFIELD- Continuing the conversation on much-needed education funding reform, Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford sponsored a measure approved by the Senate today that merges two solutions for the way the state distributes education funds.

The measure, which passed 31-18-8, applies Senator Andy Manar’s Senate Bill 231 for next school year and introduces an evidence-based method beginning with the 2017-18 school year.

“For years, we’ve talked about the ineffectiveness of our current formula. This is a reform that invests in our most vulnerable children’s success,” Lightford said. “We need to put funds in the right place, ensuring that all children are being prepared for a bright future.”