BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) held an educational town hall on cannabis and led the discussion in partnership with Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson on the implementation of the new Illinois cannabis law that goes into effect on Jan. 1.

The town hall covered the legislative, business and law enforcement perspectives of legalizing cannabis and gave residents a chance to have their questions answered.

“Mayor Thompson and I wanted to bring information on the new cannabis law to make sure our local communities understand how they can get involved in the new industry, and if they choose to, how to use cannabis within the restrictions in the law,” Lightford said.

ST. LOUIS – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) recently visited Ranken Technical College to learn more about career training opportunities offered at technical schools.

“Traditional four-year universities are not for everyone,” Lightford said. “Technical schools take that understanding and add a viable choice for young people searching for a career path. It was fascinating to see firsthand the type of instruction and career opportunities that are available to young people who enroll in these programs.”

Ranken offers degree and certificate programs in five divisions: automotive, construction, electrical, information technology and manufacturing. Students can use their degrees and certifications to become software developers, information security analysts, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, architects, IT managers, computer network architects and more.

The school offers programs for current or future students, middle or high school students, teachers, counselors and school administrators. Those programs include everything from competitions to summer camps to paid internships that help students and educators further their STEM education.

Senator Lightford has been a longtime advocate for non-traditional educational programs that meet growing economic demands and create paths to success.

MAYWOOD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) visited the West 40’s Proviso Alternative Learning Opportunity Programs (ALOPs) last week. West 40 works with local schools to provide learning opportunities to students in need of extra support.

“The students participating in these programs are incredible, and I am so humbled to have the opportunity to listen to their stories,” Lightford said. “Programs like these change the lives of our children every day, and I applaud the work West 40 and local Proviso schools do for our community.”

West 40 runs five ALOPs serving Proviso Township named HOPE, DREAM, PEACE, Seniors Plus, and the Truants Alternative and Optional Education Program.