The Majority Report 07/01/24 - Investing in our state's future

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, July 01, 2024 01:23 PM

New Department of Early Childhood coming to Illinois thanks to Lightford

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is just a few months away from having a new state agency to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services thanks to Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

Senate Latino Caucus expresses support for President Biden’s executive order on immigration

CHICAGO — Following President Joe Biden’s announcement of an executive order to protect immigrant spouses and provide a pathway to work permits to many previously without them, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunities these measures will open.

“Considering that this executive power can be challenged and even ended by a different administration, there is a lot more that needs to be done to provide permanent protections for undocumented communities that have contributed to this country for decades,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Today’s action is a great first step, but we must build on this progress and enact comprehensive reforms that honor our nation's history as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.”