CHICAGO – Thanks to the support of Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, two organizations received more than $700,000 to expand their programming as part of the $13 million Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship program.

“Illinois Works is a program that gives residents new opportunities to learn skills they would not have had access to before, and helps eliminate the barriers women and people of color often face in the job hunt,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “I look forward to seeing programs across the state receive funds to increase their outreach and ability to educate those who are often forgotten.”

Chicago Women in Trades has been awarded $500,352.44 to assist with expanding and broadening access to its pre-apprenticeship programs. Chicago Women in Trades has supported women in the area for over 40 years, and advocates for and trains women in new careers to foster change within industries. Lumity – a STEM nonprofit organization in Lightford’s district that fosters education for under-resourced students – received $200,000 as part of the program.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford is happy to announce that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants to 48 communities in need of lead service line replacements, including a $50,000 grant to Melrose Park.

“This program will support communities with the necessary fund to identify and map out the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supply,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “By creating a full inventory of our lead lines in Illinois, we can target areas where replacements are needed most, and continue to work with communities to improve drinking water across the state.”

Melrose Park distributes water to six different public water systems in the area which include Bellwood, Maywood, Stone Park, Northlake, Hillside Berkeley Water Commission, and Leyden Township Water District.

SPRINGFIELD - In response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address today, State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) issued the following statement:

“We need to make education more of a priority in Illinois and after hearing Gov’ Pritzker’s proposed budget follow through on education support for Illinois families, I am hopeful for the future of our students.

“Children’s destinies begin at birth, making it vital that education is prioritized from then until college. As a General Assembly, we will do what is right by the people of Illinois and continue to fight for equitable funding and access to education. I share in the governor’s enthusiasm for providing our youth with greater opportunities for success – from investing in early childhood education to ensuring our schools are fully funded.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was sworn in Wednesday for a new term in the Illinois General Assembly, marking the beginning of her 25^th year in the legislature.

She released the following statement after taking the oath of office:

“When I think back on the time I’ve served in the General Assembly, I think of the lives that have been changed because of the steadfast action we have taken to make Illinois a better, more inclusive and equitable state – especially for young children.

“We have passed a nation-leading equitable funding model to ensure schools are fairly funded, led the charge to give Black children opportunities for brighter success, and encouraged more minority individuals to become teachers. We have worked tirelessly to give every single child in Illinois the opportunity they deserve – and that will remain true in my future years in office.

“It is an honor to continue serving the residents of the 4^th Senate District – the possibilities of what we can accomplish in the years to come is steadfast and immense.”