Lightford provides over 800 community residents with backpacks filled with school supplies

BROOKFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) hosted her Uplift Our Future 12th Annual free Back to School Event serving over 800 community residents with a fun-filled free day at the Brookfield Zoo with no admission fee, no parking fee, no cost for lunch, and no charge for backpacks filled with school supplies for students from PreK to college.

“As we continue to fight this pandemic, our families still need fun experiences, especially if they help our students get prepared for the upcoming school year,” Lightford said. “The Uplift Our Future 12th Annual free Back to School Event turned out amazing, and I am thankful for all the sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and families who came out and supported our kids this year.”

Since 2009, Lightford has hosted a free Back to School Event for youth and families in the 4th Senate District at the Brookfield Zoo.

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Colleges to use social media to reach out to vets, active military under Murphy law

SPRINGFIELD – Students who are serving or have served in the military now have easier access to tailored support services on campus under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“Students have faced unbelievable stress over the past year, and current and former military students are often under additional pressure,” Murphy said. “With the fall semester on the horizon, it’s important that we spread the word about available mental health resources.”

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Senate Labor Committee Chair Holmes highlights Safe & Sound Week

Nationwide and Illinois Department of Labor Event to Promote Health and Safety Programs in the Workplace

AURORA – Illinois State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), who chairs the Senate Labor Committee, is joining with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to promote health and safety programs during Safe and Sound Week, August 9-15.

The annual August event recognizes successful health and safety programs, and offers information and plans to keep workers safe on the job.

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Murphy: New pedestrian safety law will make roads safer, prevent heartbreak

SPRINGFIELD – To identify problem areas on state roads and allow residents to drive, bike and walk safely in their communities, a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to look more closely into traffic accidents on state highways that result in the death of a pedestrian.

“Even one pedestrian fatality is too many,” Murphy said. “By working proactively to pinpoint areas of concern and make immediate improvements, we can make our roads safer and prevent injury and death.”

Read more: Murphy: New pedestrian safety law will make roads safer, prevent heartbreak