SPRINGFIELD – A champion of providing all Illinois students an equitable education, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) passed a new law that requires all Illinois schools to uphold policies that prevent teen parents and teenage survivors of domestic and sexual violence from dropping out school.

“Feeling neglected at school is something our students should never have to experience, especially if they are survivors of domestic or sexual violence,” Lightford said. “Providing safe learning environments will help ensure that all students are supported by their schools.”  

BROOKFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) hosted her Uplift Our Future 12th Annual free Back to School Event serving over 800 community residents with a fun-filled free day at the Brookfield Zoo with no admission fee, no parking fee, no cost for lunch, and no charge for backpacks filled with school supplies for students from PreK to college.

“As we continue to fight this pandemic, our families still need fun experiences, especially if they help our students get prepared for the upcoming school year,” Lightford said. “The Uplift Our Future 12th Annual free Back to School Event turned out amazing, and I am thankful for all the sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and families who came out and supported our kids this year.”

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois has created new marijuana dispensary licenses for social equity applicants because of a new law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) that was signed Thursday. 

“The signing of HB1443 moves us closer to making the promise of equity in cannabis a reality in a state where the entire existing industry is White. I was proud to partner with State Representative LaShawn Ford in passing HB1443 which is the result of dozens of meetings with stakeholders and applicants who demanded that their voices be heard,” Lightford said. “This industry has the potential to change lives but only if we keep the principles of equity at the center of every decision we make. The signing of this legislation brings us one step closer to making these promises a reality.”

Maywood - To continue stimulating children’s brains during the summer, State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) will be hosting a summer book club for children in the 4th District. 

“Educating our youth should not stop when the summer starts,” Lightford said. “Reading comprehension is essential in our everyday lives, so young children need to be encouraged to read until it becomes second nature.”

The summer book club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, as well as if they received the book from a public library – and if so what library – and return the form to Lightford’s district office by Aug. 13.