Latest News

SPRINGFIELD — Following years of steadfast advocacy from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford to create a more trauma-informed and equitable early childhood education system, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially launch July 1.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The launch of this unique agency breaks ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The Department of Early Childhood – created under Lightford’s 2024 Senate Bill 1 – will focus on administering early childhood education programs. The agency will be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

Combining streamlined oversight to state-funded early childhood programs within the State Board of Education, Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Family Services, the new agency will house the responsibility of the Early Childhood Block Grant – which funds the Lightford-backed Preschool for All initiative – among other items. All relevant programs and services will be transitioned to the Department of Early Childhood by July 1, 2026.

“Illinois has become a national leader in the fight to enhance support for our most vulnerable children,” said Lightford. “We are taking yet another positive step to ensure every child in the state has access to the best, all-around care through the creation of the Department of Early Childhood.”

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially launch Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – After years of advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a wide-ranging law that brings new rules to Illinois' hemp market and delivers long-overdue improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

“I have fought for years to bring order and fairness to these markets, and working with our House colleagues, we finally got it done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This is about protecting people, keeping our promises, and keeping Illinois at the forefront nationally.”

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly five years ago, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford made history when she championed legislation making Juneteenth an official Illinois state holiday. As the state marks that milestone anniversary, she is renewing her call for residents to celebrate the day and reflect on its profound meaning.

Lightford spearheaded House Bill 3922 in 2021, enshrining June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day – a state holiday and a recognition that Black history is American history. This year, she is building on that legacy by encouraging communities across Illinois to honor the holiday's roots and its ongoing relevance.

“Juneteenth being a state holiday reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This day gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate Black culture, Black achievements and learn more about Black history.”

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed it in 1863, freeing the last enslaved people in the United States.

Over the past five years, Juneteenth has grown far beyond the celebration of emancipation, evolving into a statewide and national tribute to Black arts, culture and the enduring legacy of the civil rights movement.

“The struggle for our people to achieve full equity in Illinois and across the nation continues still to this day,” Lightford said. “Juneteenth recognizes our accomplishments, our achievements and our culture, and reminds us that our fight is not over.”

For a full list of Juneteenth events in the communities Lightford represents, click here.  

SPRINGFIELD – Following years of tireless advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford passed a sweeping measure that brings comprehensive regulation to Illinois' hemp marketplace and makes long-sought improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

"For years I have fought to bring order, equity and commonsense to these markets — and today, working hand in hand with our colleagues in the House, we delivered,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This bill is about protecting people, keeping promises and making sure Illinois remains a national leader.”

Senate Bill 3222 would establish mandatory licensing and uniform standards for CBD manufacturers while creating a responsible transition path for hemp businesses entering the licensed cannabis market, with at least 45 infuser licenses reserved for social equity applicants.

On the cannabis side, possession limits would be doubled and the minor offense threshold would rise from 30 to 60 grams, making more Illinoisans – especially from communities harmed by past drug enforcement – eligible for automatic expungement. Small operators earning under $50,000 would see license renewal fees waived entirely, with a 50% reduction for those earning up to $750,000, lowering barriers for independent and equity-owned businesses.

The measure also would mandate 50% of all cannabis transport move through Social Equity Transporters, embedding equity requirements directly into the supply chain rather than treating them as an afterthought.

“Together, these changes formalize the hemp market, modernize cannabis operations and lower barriers for both patients and smaller operators,” said Lightford. “I am grateful to my House partners for their dedication to this legislation, and I am proud that Illinois is once again showing the nation what responsible, equitable policy looks like.”

Senate Bill 3222 passed the Senate Sunday and now heads to the governor for final consideration.