Senator Lightford would like you to know that Hines VA Hospital is hosting a manufacturing hiring event this Tuesday, June 16th. Veterans hold expertise in many areas critical to a manufacturing sector that is looking for hard-working new talent. We need to respond by hiring more veterans!

Senator Lightford hosted Destiny Lee, Miss Black Illinois USA 2015, at the State Capitol. Miss Lee addressed the General Assembly, speaking passionately on a variety of topics close to her heart. The Miss Black Illinois USA Pageant celebrates academic success and believes that education is the key to lifelong achievement and empowerment. The pageant promotes education and leadership by providing scholarship opportunities to its winners.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to fight back against deep cuts to critical state programs and services, Assistant Majority Leader Senator Kimberly A. Lightford voted to fund the Dept. of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) at a level of $150 million – $16 million more than last year. Senator Lightford released this statement about her vote.

“A higher funding level for the Department of Juvenile Justice will allow the department to better reach and rehabilitate the youth of our state. Increasing the number of staff working with our troubled youth will improve safety for the children and staff, while improving educational opportunities and the overall chances of rehabilitative success for each child.

“Stronger mental-health and special-education services within the department will ensure that every young person is provided the help they need. We also need reform efforts concerning our commitments to children beyond their release dates. More formalized hearings will go a long way in preventing future incarceration and protecting the futures of all children and adolescents in Illinois.”

Senator Lightford had the pleasure of hosting St. Joseph High School basketball Coach Gene Pingatore and former St. Joe's basketball player and current Boston Celtics small forward Evan Turner on the Senate floor last week!

The General Assembly passed resolutions designating: Canterbury Street from Mandel Avenue to Westchester Boulevard as "Evan Turner Street," Cermak Road from South Wolf Road to Westchester Boulevard as "Gene Pingatore Road," and Westchester Boulevard from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Road as "Isiah Thomas Boulevard" in honor of the contributions made by all three basketball legends to athletics and the local community.