Latest News

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing that financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to maintain control over victims, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion.

"Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking should not be haunted by debts that were forced upon them during their trauma," said Lightford (D-Maywood). "We must prevent predatory collection practices that can re-traumatize survivors and hinder their path to recovery and independence."

Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking often face economic abuse in the form of a non-consensual credit transaction. This is a common tactic used to control a survivor’s financial freedom and self-sufficiency. Down the road – even if survivors are no longer surrounded by their abuser – they can face further financial trauma when a collection agency gets involved.

To prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion, Lightford led House Bill 3352. Under the law, a victim of coerced debt will not be liable for the debt – but will rather submit a form to a collection agency outlining the debt came from coercion.

“Financial security is essential to breaking cycles of abuse and ensures that survivors aren't pursued for debts they never freely chose to incur,” said Lightford. “This is a positive step toward removing that significant barrier and allowing people to remove themselves from the effects of economic coercion.”

House Bill 3352 was signed into law Friday.

MAYWOOD — Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford announced that 15 school districts across the area will receive over $9 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“Equitable funding promotes diversity and inclusion within education,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “With each round of equitable funding, we are bridging educational gaps and fighting against racial and socioeconomic inequities in access to resources and educational outcomes.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

School districts across the 4^th Senate District set to receive funding through the formula include:

• Region 6 West Cook ISC 2: $16,412
• Region 6 West Cook - Alternative Learning Opportunities Program: $5.7 million
• Berkeley School District 87: $210,979
• Bellwood School District 88: $214,481
• Forest Park School District 91: $715
• Lindop School District 92: $312
• Westchester School District 92-5: $25,583
• Hillside School District 93: $473
• Komarek School District 94: $37,177
• Western Springs School District 101: $1,294
• LaGrange School District 102: $52,000
• Lyons Township High School District 204: $4,000
• Proviso Township High School District 209: $3.3 million
• Butler School District 53: $420
• Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview 89: $626,365

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget invested $300 million in new funding into students’ success through the evidence-based funding model.

For more information on the FY 26 evidence-based funding distribution, visit the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.

It was an honor to attend Aspire’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Worcester Community Home! Aspire continues to do incredible work, empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and dignity. I am proud to support this mission and inspired to see what the future holds for this wonderful community.

BROOKFIELD – For the 16^th year in a row, Senate Majority Kimberly A. Lightford will be hosting a back to school event at the Brookfield Zoo, which includes free backpacks, food, admission to the zoo and more.

“It has been my mission throughout my career to ensure every child is fully prepared and emotionally equipped for the upcoming school year,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “There’s no better way to kick off the school year than a fun-filled day at the zoo.”

Students and their families can join Lightford on Sunday, Aug. 3 for a free day at the zoo – which also includes free school supplies, food and more for students in pre-K to college. The event runs from 2-4 p.m. with registration starting at 1 p.m.

Since 2009, Lightford has hosted a free back to school event for youth and families in the 4th Senate District at the Brookfield Zoo.

People with questions can call her office at 708-632-4500.