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BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement regarding ongoing tensions in Broadview:

“I continue to stand in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators who are gathering to advocate for humane immigration policies and the protection of families in our communities.

“We all firmly hold the same belief: No person should be targeted based upon the color of their skin. Chicago has long been a city that welcomes people of all backgrounds – and we must continue to uphold values of dignity, compassion and due process. Our community is strongest when all people can live without fear. I stand united in demanding justice and respect for the rights of all people.” 

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

Lightford secured $2.5 million in state funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Black Men United – a national community service organization that focuses on the restoration and rebuilding of Black communities across America under the leadership of Black men – to purchase the property.

The project includes the rehabilitation and development of housing units that not only meet high-quality living standards but also integrate emerging technologies to promote energy equity and sustainability. It is designed to ensure that residents have access to clean energy solutions and modern infrastructure. Additionally, it focuses on reducing the disproportionate energy burden that low-to-moderate income households often face — in some cases paying up to four times more than their suburban counterparts. This disparity often stems from aging, inefficient housing stock that has not received the investment needed to remain competitive or energy efficient.

“Black Men United has shown us that true leadership is about identifying problems, but also about rolling up your sleeves and building solutions,” said Lightford. “The ribbon cutting represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work, strategic planning and an unshakeable belief that our communities deserve nothing less than excellence.”

Lightford will continue to fight for funding and policies that uplift underserved communities.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led the charge to put an end to “resident dumping” – an inhumane practice in which a nursing facility discharges a resident and refuses to readmit them after a hospital stay.

"Resident dumping is a betrayal of trust at life's most vulnerable moment,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Seniors have made these places their sanctuaries, their communities and their final homes. To deny them return is to strip away their belonging, security and dignity when they need it most.”

To strengthen resident rights in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Lightford’s law will enhance the involuntary discharge process within these communities. If a resident leaves the facility for a medical reason – and would not create imminent danger to themselves or others – the facility will be required to let them come back home under House Bill 1597. 

“Resident dumping” affects thousands of nursing facility residents who are uninsured or underinsured, have a mental health condition, or have had to spend time in a hospital or rehab facility and find they’re not allowed back into their nursing facility.

“The true mark of a compassionate society is not how we care for the healthy, but how we protect those who depend on us most,” said Lightford.

House Bill 1597 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.