Welcome to Lakesia Collins' Legislative Website

CHICAGO – In an effort to expand workforce training, State Senator Lakesia Collins helped secure $555,000 to connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers while helping employers build the qualified workforce they need to grow.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a lasting career, and these investments ensure residents can pursue stable, rewarding careers here in Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “These investments will expand access to training and development programs that help people enter the workforce, advance their careers and create a better future for themselves, their families and our communities.”

More than $11 million in funding was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois through the Job Training and Economic Development Program, aimed at expanding workforce training, career pathways and support services for Illinoisans facing barriers to employment. JTED addresses the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins and State Representative Yolonda Morris presented legislation at a press conference Wednesday to help protect Illinoisans’ data and create jobs by providing incentives to locate data centers in low-income areas.

“By keeping Illinois technology and data in our state, instead of sending it to Virginia or another state, Illinois stands to gain tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue to help Black and Brown neighborhoods and businesses,” said Collins (D-Chicago).

Several major hospitals in Illinois have suffered cybersecurity attacks in recent years – including Lurie Children’s Hospital and St. Anthony’s Hospital. Both Collins and Morris have worked for years in the health care industry serving patients and those who are vulnerable, leading them to introduce the Keep Illinois Data in Illinois tax credit legislation to strengthen health care and cybersecurity infrastructure while helping minority business owners develop data storage facilities.

“At a time when our data is under attack, governments and hospitals should store their data in Illinois,” said State Representative Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago). “We should provide incentives to minority-owned companies that will build data centers in low-income areas. This legislation would provide millions in tax revenue, quality jobs for our community, and high-quality construction jobs. Also, it will result in community benefits in terms of jobs and opportunities for our young people to enter the technology industry.”