FEMA program applications

The FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) application period is currently open through Friday, March 25, 2016 at 4 PM CST. The program is intended to provide funding directly to fire departments and national, state, local or tribal organizations representing the interests of volunteer firefighters to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities and provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

This year the program has $340 million in funding, and “10 percent is set aside for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.”

I encourage local departments to apply as volunteer, career and combination departments: all eligible for at least one grant category.

Please see the link below for more information and access to the application.

https://www.fema.gov/staffing-adequate-fire-emergency-response-grants

Note: When printing flyer, make sure print size is set on "letter," otherwise you may loose some words on flyer

Senator Lightford recently had the privilege of speaking to 7th and 8th grade students at Hillside School's Annual Career Day. Senator spoke to 60 students who were eager to learn more about civic engagement. The young scholars were even led in a mock civic engagement walk-through to gain a better understanding of the democratic process.

Students received free school supplies and water bottles for their participation. See the photos from the event below!

This week, Senator Lightford sits down to discuss her reaction to the governor’s budget address. She speaks on the importance of education not only being fully funded in Illinois, but also fundamentally rebalanced so that all students from all walks of life are able to achieve their academic dreams.

Sen. Lightford also shares her disappointment in the governor’s address failing to mention a bevy of critical areas of concern, including higher education, struggling human services programs and public safety.