Lightford, Ammons and higher education leaders call for passage of equitable funding model

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and State Representative Carol Ammons are fighting to transform how Illinois funds its higher education system through legislation that would take a student-centered approach. 

“Despite education’s paramount importance, the disparity in funding among higher educational institutions remains dreadfully evident,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This imbalance not only undermines the principle of equal opportunity but also hampers our collective progress as a society.”

Lightford and Ammons were instrumental in creating the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding in 2021. Over the years, the 30-person commission studied if public institutions of higher education are in dire need of a new funding model when serving underrepresented and historically underserved student groups, including Black and Brown students, as well as students from low-income families.

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Johnson introduces Civil Rights Safeguard Act

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson stood alongside representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Rights at a press conference Wednesday to outline her legislation to strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections amid growing federal rollbacks.

“As federal agencies retreat from enforcing long-standing civil rights protections, Illinois must step forward,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation ensures our state remains a place where fairness, accountability and equal opportunity are not optional — they are the law.”

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Collins joins colleagues to support needed revenue increases and investments

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined legislators and advocates at a press conference Wednesday to fight for needed investments in Illinois communities by holding the ultra-rich accountable, closing corporate loopholes and making the tax system more equitable for working families.

“Our goal is to bring in new sources of revenue and additional revenue so our state can continue to operate and serve our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is vital now more than ever that the wealthiest of our societies start paying their fair share.”

Read more: Collins joins colleagues to support needed revenue increases and investments

Lightford pushes for funding to combat Black HIV/AIDS epidemic

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon her decades of advocacy to combat the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is pushing for $15 million to help bring greater resources to disadvantaged communities.

“African Americans represent a fraction of Illinois' population, yet we bear a vastly disproportionate burden of new HIV diagnoses,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Our mothers, our brothers and our neighbors are dying at rates that should outrage every person.”

Read more: Lightford pushes for funding to combat Black HIV/AIDS epidemic