Illinois Legislative
Black Caucus
Foundation
2016 NEWSLETTER
INSIDE:
Letter from the Chairman,
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
ILBC FIGHTS FOR THE
BLACK COMMUNITY
This year, the Illinois Legislative Black
Caucus has fought tirelessly for the concerns
of Black Illinoisans. The inequities in our
community are evident in the rising crime
and unemployment rate. The Black Caucus
advanced a comprehensive agenda that
addresses several issues in Black communities
throughout the state.
ILBC HOST BLACK HISTORY
MONTH SOIRÉE
ILBC HOST YOUTH CIVIC
ENGAGEMENT DAY
PATHWAY TO APPRENTICESHIP
Rep. Carol Ammons
Sen. James F. Clayborne
Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins
Rep. Monique Davis
Rep. Will Davis
Rep. Kenneth Dunkin
Rep. Marcus Evans
Rep. Mary Flowers
Rep. LaShawn Ford
Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth
Rep. Sonya Harper
Sen. Napoleon Harris III
Sen. Mattie Hunter
Sen. Toi Hutchinson
Rep. Eddie Jackson
Sen. Emil Jones III
Rep. Thaddeus Jones
Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford
Rep. Camille Lilly
Rep. Rita Mayfield
Rep. Christian Mitchell
Sen. Kwame Raoul
Rep. Pamela Reeves-Harris
Rep. Al Riley
Rep. Elgie Sims
Rep. Andre Thapedi
Sen. Donne Trotter
Rep. Arthur Turner
Sen. Patricia Van Pelt
Rep. Litesa Wallace
Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch
For nearly two decades, the formula that Illinois has used to pay for education rewards affluent
school districts and punishes poorer districts. The way we fund education determines our
children’s likelihood of receiving the support they need to become future leaders. The ILBC
worked with education leaders to re-tool our Illinois funding structure to ensure our children
are receiving the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.
The ongoing budget impasse has had devastating effects on the black community. The
governor withheld funds for the Child Care Assistance Program, which provides deserving
families with funds to pay for child care. Social service agencies have been forced to reject
those in need, leaving many programs in our community that give children and parents with
no other options some alternatives. Our college students were especially victimized by deep
cuts that almost specifically targeted the Black community. The Black Caucus fought against
these inequities and worked to pass meaningful legislation to fund these programs.
Not to be forgotten, the issue of racially lopsided arrest rates in communities around Illinois
needs to be addressed as well. African Americans are six times more likely to be arrested than
whites. One in three African-American men between the ages of 16 and 24 will be convicted
of a felony. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus worked on several initiatives to ensure our
young men and women are respected in the judiciary process and while incarcerated.
The Black Caucus also championed reforms to ensure proper representation in the election
process while also expanding opportunities for our youth to experience civic engagement.
Best Regards,
Senator Kimberly A. Lightford
Assistant Majority Leader