Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Staff Thursday, 02 February 2012 11:06
State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) continues her push to increase Illinois’ minimum wage with Senate Bill 1565. According to a recent Economic Policy Institute report, increasing Illinois’ minimum wage would help working families and give a much-needed boost to the State’s economy.
This week, faith leaders from communities statewide and members of the Raise Illinois coalition held a rally in the Capitol’s rotunda to show their support for the legislation during the first week of the 2012 spring legislative session in Springfield. Senator Lightford spoke at the rally about her continued support for the increase and about some of the challenges they face in seeking its passage.
Written by Lightford Staff Tuesday, 24 January 2012 12:37
Under a new law sponsored by Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, parents will have access to a newly designed school report that will show them how their child's school is performing in three key areas – student outcomes, student progress, and school environment – beginning in 2013. The legislation was recently signed into law by Governor Quinn.
Read more: Bill Revamping School Report Cards Signed By Quinn
Written by Lightford Staff Thursday, 12 May 2011 12:04
Last week, the Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation that will dramatically reform public education in Illinois. The bill, which is targeted at improving student performance, passed the Senate unanimously in April.
Reform efforts were spearheadeded by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), who led months of negotiations between teachers, administrators and reform groups. Since it passed the Senate, the bill has been widely hailed as a monumental step toward improving outcomes for children in Illinois and has been described as a national model by United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
Read more: UPDATE: Comprehensive Education Reform Moves to Governor's Desk
Written by Lightford Staff Wednesday, 06 April 2011 17:19
Since January, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Kim Lightford has led a series of intense negotiations meetings aimed at crafting a substantial education reform bill for
Lightford, who will be conducting another meeting on Thursday, April 7, provided the media with a briefing of the progress that has been made and the disagreements that she hopes to resolve quickly.
Read more: Lightford: Education Reform Package Coming Soon (VIDEO)
Written by Lightford Staff Thursday, 17 February 2011 13:32
SPRINGFIELD
Written by Lightford Staff Thursday, 10 February 2011 15:16
Springfield
“From my first day in the Senate, I’ve fought for minimum wage earners. It’s an issue that remains near and dear to my heart and agenda. There has rightfully been a lot of discussion lately about how to improve the state’s business climate. But as we go forward, I want to make sure that minimum wage workers aren’t ignored and forgotten. Their issues and rights need to be part of the discussion. Senate Bill 1565 will help to keep this important issue on the table as the General Assembly works to keep
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4th District
Assistant Majority Leader
Years served: 1998 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Labor; Education; Executive; Financial Institutions; Redistricting; Executive Subcommittee on Amendment; Subcommittee on State & Local Govt. (Sub-Chairperson); Subcommittee on Charter Schools (Sub-Chairperson); Subcommittee on Payday Loans (Sub-Chairperson).
Biography: Born May 10, 1968, in Chicago; B.A., public communications & human relations, Western Illinois University; Master's in public administration, University of Illinois at Springfield. Village of Maywood Trustee 1997-2003; State Government Employee - IL Secretary of State, IL Department of Corrections, IL Central Management Services. Resides in Maywood with son, Isaiah.