JOLIET – To continue efforts to address structural racial inequality in Illinois, the Senate will hold a joint Education and Higher Education Committee tomorrow.

“As chair of the Higher Education Committee, I've learned that the foundation for successful post-secondary education is built early in one's life,” said Senate Higher Education Committee Chairman Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill). “Tomorrow's hearing will explore how to provide that foundation for every Illinois child.”

The committee serves as another step in building the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Education is one of four major policy areas the ILBC is targeting this year, along with criminal justice, health care, and economic access.

“This week, we continue our look into the educational journey of a child in Illinois and the disparities that exist for Black children and other marginalized children,” Senate Majority Leader and ILBC Chairwoman Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago). “We will learn more about the possible impact of lowering the compulsory school age and how to build more inclusive environments in our schools.”

People can submit written witness testimony online at: 

https://ilga.gov/senate/SenateCommitteeWrittenTestimony.asp

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click, "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at 12 p.m.

WHO: Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Pat McGuire, members of the Higher Ed and Senate Education Committees, Senate Majority Leader and Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Kimberly Lightford

WHAT: A joint Senate Education/Higher Education Committee hearing on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ education agenda

WHEN: 12 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

WHERE: Virtual meeting. Watch via the Illinois General Assembly website at https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp