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Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children’s Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Friday, July 18, 2025 03:30 PM
  • Lightford
  • Whole Child Task Force
  • Slideshow
  • Children's Adversity Index
  • Families

Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford

CHICAGO – Building off her success in leading a whole-child, trauma-informed approach to helping youth, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is celebrating the launch of the Children’s Adversity Index – a pivotal step in identifying and addressing systemic challenges impacting communities statewide.

"The Children's Adversity Index represents exactly the kind of comprehensive, data-driven approach we need to tackle the complex challenges facing Illinois families. By mapping adversity across our communities and identifying where resources are most needed, we're moving beyond treating symptoms to addressing root causes,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This tool will be invaluable as we work to ensure every child in Illinois has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their ZIP code.”

As part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ Four Pillar Agenda in 2021, Lightford created the Whole Child Task Force to analyze statewide data related to childhood trauma exposure. The group outlined its report in 2022, which included the need for the Child Adversity Index – a comprehensive, data-driven perspective on adverse community conditions affecting Illinois youth. Its creation became law in 2023 and came to fruition this month.

Read more: Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children’s Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

Lightford fights to remove expulsion for preschool through second graders

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Saturday, May 31, 2025 05:50 PM
  • Mental Health
  • Students
  • HB3772
  • School Expulsion

HB3772 KLSPRINGFIELD – All too often, students of color feel the brunt of being expelled or suspended from school, rather than being provided restorative approaches to help with their emotional and mental health – a phenomenon Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is fighting to change.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We’re continuing to move toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

Expulsion of students in kindergarten through second grade would not be permitted under Lightford’s measure. Additionally, pre-k through second graders would not be able to be suspended without the principal receiving written or verbal consent from the district superintendent.

Read more: Lightford fights to remove expulsion for preschool through second graders

Lightford: Resident dumping is a betrayal of trust

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Thursday, May 22, 2025 05:13 PM
  • Nursing Homes
  • resident dumping
  • HB1597
  • Involuntary Discharge

Majority Leader LightfordSPRINGFIELD – 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.”

Read more: Lightford: Resident dumping is a betrayal of trust

Lightford: Financial security is essential to breaking cycles of abuse

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Wednesday, May 07, 2025 11:48 AM
  • Financial Abuse
  • Predatory Collection Practices
  • Coerced Debt
  • HB3352

lightford 050725Lightford leads measure to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing that financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to maintain control over victims, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is leading a measure to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion.

"Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking should not be haunted by debts that were forced upon them during their trauma," said Lightford (D-Maywood). "We must prevent predatory collection practices that can re-traumatize survivors and hinder their path to recovery and independence."

Read more: Lightford: Financial security is essential to breaking cycles of abuse

Lightford fights to remove expulsion, suspension for preschool through second graders

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Tuesday, May 06, 2025 02:53 PM
  • Education
  • HB3722
  • Early Grades Suspension or Expulsion

lightford 050625SPRINGFIELD – All too often, students of color feel the brunt of being expelled or suspended from school, rather than being provided restorative approaches to help with their emotional and mental health – a phenomenon Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is fighting to change.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We’re continuing to move toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

Expulsion of students in kindergarten through second grade would not be permitted unless the child brought a firearm, knife or other object that could be used to harm another student to school.

Read more: Lightford fights to remove expulsion, suspension for preschool through second graders

Lightford leads conversations on equitable funding for higher education

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Thursday, May 01, 2025 08:58 AM
  • Lightford
  • Higher Education
  • Equitable Funding
  • SB13

Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is working to transform how Illinois funds its higher education system through legislation she outlined during a Subject Matter Hearing Wednesday.  

“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 was 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.

Read more: Lightford leads conversations on equitable funding for higher education

Lightford to put an end to resident dumping

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 03:41 PM
  • Leader Lightford
  • HB 1597
  • resident dumping

Lightford HB1597SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is leading 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 proposal would 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 would be required to let them come back home under House Bill 1597. 

Read more: Lightford to put an end to resident dumping

Lightford honored with prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 04:05 PM
  • Lightford
  • Chicago Defender's Vanguard Award
  • Women of Excellence

Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was one of three women to receive the prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award for her 26 years of contributions of bettering the lives of the people of Illinois.

“Thank you to the Chicago Defender for this tremendous honor. To be recognized among such extraordinary women is truly humbling,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In reality, this isn’t my award. This award belongs to the Black girls who were seen but not heard. The Black girls who suffered trauma at the hands of a loved one. The Black girls who were told they couldn’t be all they could be.”

The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. These women do it all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional.

Read more: Lightford honored with prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award

More Articles …

  1. Lightford pushes for stronger hemp regulations to protect public health
  2. Lightford’s efforts lead to $15 minimum wage come Jan. 1
  3. Lightford among top notable Black leaders in Illinois
  4. Lightford fights for equitable funding for higher education
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