Welcome to Lakesia Collins' Legislative Website
Collins: Erasing medical debt provides financial freedom for Illinois families
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
CHICAGO – As Illinois reaches a new milestone in eliminating medical debt, State Senator Lakesia Collins is highlighting the impact of the state’s Medical Debt Relief Program, which has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents.
“Too many families have experienced the stress of unexpected medical bills that make it harder to keep up with everyday expenses,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Access to necessary health care should never come at the expense of a family’s financial security. By lifting this burden, we are helping Illinois residents regain stability and giving them an opportunity to focus on their futures.”
Established in 2024, Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Program is operated in partnership with a national nonprofit organization that purchases and eliminates medical debt for residents experiencing financial hardship. Eligible residents receive relief automatically through the program.
Read more: Collins: Erasing medical debt provides financial freedom for Illinois families
Collins: Applications are open for energy bill assistance
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is encouraging residents and eligible families in the 5th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to combat rising energy prices.
“Every family deserves to feel secure in their home without worrying about whether they can afford to keep the heat on,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “LIHEAP provides critical assistance to households struggling with energy costs, and I encourage eligible residents to apply and take advantage of this important resource.”
The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.
Read more: Collins: Applications are open for energy bill assistance
Collins secures strong investment to expand workforce training opportunities
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
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.
Read more: Collins secures strong investment to expand workforce training opportunities
Collins announces funding for 5th District libraries, literacy programs
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to announce eight libraries in the 5th District will be receiving over $600,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.
“Libraries are community hubs that bring people from all walks of life together and provide valued services for so many folks across the district,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “These grants will improve literacy programs and increase accessible workforce development programs right here in our communities.”
The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.
Read more: Collins announces funding for 5th District libraries, literacy programs
More Articles …
Page 1 of 21
