Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford joined fellow Senate Democrats in applauding the signing of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act on Monday, making Illinois the third state in the U.S. to guarantee paid leave.

“It’s not uncommon for life to get in the way of work – be it your child unexpectedly gets sick or your car breaks down. You shouldn’t be punished for these everyday obstacles,” said Lightford (D-Maywood), whose decades of work lifting up working families has included championing numerous increases to the state’s minimum wage and expanding worker protections for employees targeted by layoffs. “With the signing of this legislation, we are leading a significant, positive impact on the lives of residents across our state and underscoring our commitment to uplifting working families.”

Under the new law, all employers in Illinois will be required to provide their employees with a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave per year that can be used for any reason. A worker would begin to earn paid leave on their first day of employment at a rate of one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked. Starting on March 31, 2024, or 90 days following commencement of employment, workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer.

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MAYWOOD – The Park District of Forest Park and Westchester Park District are set to receive over $1 million for land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford announced Friday.

“This funding will have a positive impact on our communities and help ensure they stay vibrant and welcoming,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Friends walking in the park, families going to the playground or individuals walking their dog will all feel the benefits of this grant program.”

The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. The Park District of Forest Park is set to receive $424,200 and Westchester Park District will receive $600,000.

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Last week I joined Governor JB Pritzker to discuss a Blueprint for Transformation for providing state-of-the-art and best-practice treatment in behavioral health care for Illinois Children.

Investment in our state’s youth through a holistic, whole-child approach provides them with the key resources and support they need to succeed. We are taking a positive step toward ensuring families of children who struggle with severe behavior health needs are uplifted and have access to the high-quality care they deserve.

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In honor of Black History Month, Senate members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus shared Black history figures, events and moments that had the biggest impacts in their life. Check out what I shared here. #blackhistory