Welcome to Lakesia Collins' Legislative Website
Collins secures strong investment to expand workforce training opportunities
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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.
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Collins announces funding for 5th District libraries, literacy programs
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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.
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Collins law strengthens protections against sexual misconduct in schools
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SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law improves reporting requirements, reinforces professional boundaries between educators and students and increases transparency regarding school misconduct policies.
“We have to recognize and understand the warning signs before a child is harmed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this law, schools will establish clear boundaries and professional standards between all students and staff, provide training and give educators the ability to identify and report troubling behavior.”
Collins’ law, House Bill 4534, expands protections for children in schools by redefining patterns of grooming behavior as a form of abuse under state law. The law also requires school districts, charter schools and private schools to maintain and publicly post employee professional conduct policies, provide clear methods for reporting staff-student boundary violations, and establish expectations between school employees and students.
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Collins law expands access to adult changing stations in public spaces
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SPRINGFIELD – Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers will have access to safe, accessible facilities under a new law sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins.
“Many families find themselves without appropriate facilities in public spaces and are forced to cut outings short or skip them altogether,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this law we can give those families the facilities needed to live in our communities and participate without additional stress of wondering whether facilities are available.”
Collins’ new law, House Bill 4379, will expand Illinois’ Equitable Restrooms Act by requiring certain newly constructed public buildings and state-owned facilities to provide access to adult changing stations. Adult changing stations provide a safe, sanitary space for caregivers assisting older children and adults with disabilities who require personal care support.
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