CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. celebrated the start of the school year by highlighting prioritized investments into education – from securing greater teacher opportunities to enhancing infrastructure.
"Today is a culmination of our commitment to investing in both our students' education and their health,” said Sims (D-Chicago) “Illinois' record investments in our schools are paying dividends across our communities.”
Sims was joined by State Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Tony Sanders and Governor JB Pritzker at Wagoner Elementary School in Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village Friday to tout Illinois’ leadership in education.
MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and Senator Lakesia Collins 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.”
Collins and 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.
Read more: Collins, Lightford bring safe, affordable housing to Maywood
CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam is celebrating the grand opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s satellite location in Chicago following the announcement of its opening Monday.
“The Illinois Holocaust Museum provides critical education and resources to our neighbors – highlighting our human history and serving as reminder to fight against antisemitism,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am elated to see the museum’s impact will go beyond Skokie as they continue site improvements to their main location.”
An advocate for Holocaust education, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and anti-hate measures, Villivalam serves as a voice for the community. In recent years, Villivalam has spearheaded legislation increasing funds for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and expanded school lunch options for students needing Kosher or Halal meals.
Read more: Villivalam celebrates grand opening of Illinois Holocaust Museum’s satellite location
SPRINGFIELD – Following the federal administration suggesting plans to restrict abortion medications, State Senator Karina Villa sponsored a new law to ensure reproductive care remains accessible in Illinois.
“Abortions save lives. Denying care to any woman will lead to unrepairable harm and even death, which is preventable,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “In Illinois, we trust women. We will continue to strengthen a woman’s right to choose and ensure reproductive care is accessible to all in our state.”
The new law ensures that if the FDA revokes its approval for a drug it previously approved prior to Jan. 1, 2025, the drug is protected under state law so long as its safety is backed up by peer-reviewed research and the World Health Organization continues recommending the drug. This ensures access to mifepristone and other abortion medications should the current federal administration take steps to restrict approval of those drugs.
Page 1 of 722