BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson joined Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action and Black Men United for a food giveaway Monday.

“Food insecurity is at an all-time high, and we wanted to do our part to ensure our families are able to put a meal on their table this Thanksgiving,” Lightford said. “I am grateful to partner with Mayor Thompson, Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action and Black Men United for this important community event.”

Participants drove up to the parking lot of the Broadview Village Square Shopping Center where they received a box of food and information on veterans’ benefits, men’s health and energy assistance. One thousand boxes of food were distributed throughout the three hour event.

Additionally, as the holiday season quickly approaches, Lightford would like to remind people the importance of continuing to follow COVID-19 protocols.

“I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this Thanksgiving and find ways to celebrate with family virtually,” Lightford said. “I know people are getting restless, but we need to continue wearing our masks, washing our hands and keeping our distance to keep those we miss and love safe.”

SPRINGFIELD - As Illinois sees an uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Illinois General Assembly has decided not to return to session next week, as previously scheduled, but will instead convene in January for a lame duck session. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) ensures that the change in the session schedule will not deter the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ efforts to rid Illinois of systemic racism.

“We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and COVID-19 cases are surging across the state, making the risk is too high to convene at this time,” said Lightford, chair of the ILBC. “While we will not be able to pass legislation as soon as we hoped, the urgency to bring an end to systemic racism remains.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus launched four pillars of policy on Sept. 1 through which the caucus is identifying measures that will put Illinois on a course for racial and economic equity. Those pillars are:

I. Criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability
II. Education and workforce development
III. Economic access, equity and opportunity
IV. Health care and human services

Since September, the Senate has hosted subject matter hearings on the four pillars in an effort to provide legislators and the public a deeper look into the Black experience in Illinois. The hearings, which wrap up this week, served as an opportunity to gather facts and recommendations to help address systemic issues that have directly or indirectly made the lives of Black and other marginalized communities in Illinois more difficult for centuries.

“The Black Caucus will continue with our mission to put an end to systemic racism in Illinois,” Lightford said. “The moment to put forth this critical agenda is now, and I know President Harmon and Speaker Madigan share our concerns and our commitment to making a difference.”

The General Assembly is expected to convene prior to the spring session.

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees for a hearing focused on efforts to prepare Illinois youth to enter the workforce, including career and technical education (CTE) program, the Illinois Pathways program and the Illinois Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act.

“With few or no work experience programs available in their communities, students can’t build the job readiness skills they’ll need to excel in the workforce after graduation,” Lightford said. “CTE programs are an essential part of preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers.”

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees for a hearing focused on student support services reforms, teacher reforms and developmental education reforms for Illinois college students.

Wednesday’s hearing was the seventh hearing dedicated to education and workforce development, the second pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda to rid Illinois of systemic racism.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous effect on college students and their mental health,” Lightford said. “It’s a necessity for students to have access to support services that keep them engaged and connected with other students, make them feel welcome and ease emotional stress. Colleges must ensure as many students as possible are receiving this assistance.”