Black Caucus: Officers’ acquittal perpetuates systemic injustice

CHICAGO — Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement regarding the acquittal of three Chicago police officers, David March, Thomas Gaffney and Joseph Walsh, charged with covering up for a fellow officer, Jason Van Dyke, who shot and killed Laquan McDonald:

“Today’s decision is not only a slap in the face to Mr. McDonald’s family, but it negatively impacts the black community as a whole because it perpetuates a system that allows a code of silence to continue among police.

“Our officers are sworn to protect and serve everyone, not just a chosen few. This is unfair and disproportionately affects minority communities. It must stop.

“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will continue to work with constituents, activists and the police to end systemic injustice."

Lightford: Gun dealer certification law brings hope for gun reform

• gun violence

CHICAGO- A proposal that regulates gun dealers in an effort to limit the illegal sale of firearms and make more information on gun crimes available to the public became law today.

Senate Bill 337 was approved in the aftermath of the shooting at Parkland High School in Florida and in response to the senseless loss of lives throughout Illinois. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement on the signing of the new law:

“For years, we have seen tragedy after tragedy throughout Illinois and across the country, and this is a victory for those who decided that our communities deserve better. This law brings us step closer to keeping guns out of the wrong hands, and brings some comfort to those who have lost a loved one.

“Governor Pritzker’s support for this legislation brings hope that we will be able to work on more commonsense gun measures moving forward.”

Solar Energy Town Hall Meeting

• Event

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is hosting a Solar Energy Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 73.

New law by Lightford fights for employee diversity, combats pay disparity in state contractors

“It’s time to demand straight answers on what we’re worth.”

“I applaud the governor’s action today in signing this legislation and taking a real step forward in the fight for pay equity in Illinois,” Lightford said. “A culture of secrecy around wages has been to the detriment of women and people of color, who remain underpaid for the same work in comparison with their peers. It’s time to demand straight answers on what we’re worth.”

Gov. Pritzker signed Lightford’s bill, Senate Bill 203, the first legislation to receive his signature as governor. The new law protects worker wages and promotes diversity in employment by state contractors. Additionally, it requires the disclosure of data on employee demographics and pay among businesses which contract with the State of Illinois.