SPRINGFIELD – As a former youth in care, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation to support young people’s transitions to independence by ensuring information about transitional services is communicated to youth in a clear and timely manner.

“Many young people in foster care do not receive the proper support they need to transition into adulthood and have to work that much harder to overcome barriers to simply living their life,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is vital for the state to continue monitoring evidence-based approaches that work for today’s youth, ensuring they have all the support they need to succeed and thrive.”

Under Collins’ bill, Senate Bill 3196, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would be required to consult with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board when developing rules concerning transition planning for youth aging out of care, evaluation of existing programs and identification of new programming to support youth transitions to independence. The SYAB would also advise DCFS on how this information should be communicated to youth in a clear, timely and age-appropriate manner.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined legislators and leaders from the Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative at the Capitol on Wednesday to call for a $2.1 million investment to sustain a proven, community-based reentry health model that reduces recidivism and improves access to care for people returning from incarceration.

“We can deliver measurable reductions in recidivism through this program, supporting our neighbors’ health and well-being during their reentry,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works and it saves Illinois residents money. Recidivism costs taxpayers $151,000 per return to prison, so preventing just 14 returns would offset this investment. Supporting these investments translates to savings to the state of Illinois.”

Safer Pathways, a nonprofit affiliated with Safer Foundation, will serve as the backbone entity to sustain the SRNC, which is currently funded by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and family services through the end of 2026. Collins is leading Senate Bills 2847 and 3317 to continue this vital funding.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker’s joint State of the State and Budget Address for Fiscal Year 2027:

“This proposal is a direct response to federal actions that shift financial burdens onto Illinois. We remain committed to protecting our state’s fiscal stability while continuing to invest in Illinois families, workers and communities. Even in the face of federal setbacks, we will uphold our responsibilities and put Illinois first.

“Last year we made meaningful progress toward stabilizing Illinois’ finances while still improving the communities we represent, and this year we are continuing with that focus by making purposeful investments in the implementation of the Department of Early Childhood – an essential program that will offer quality, affordable early learning and child care to families in need.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins announced eight innovative small businesses across the 5^th District were awarded grant funding to support their partnerships with Illinois universities.

“Businesses across our community are taking an active role in the development of our economy by creating jobs and opportunities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With the innovation grants, local small businesses will get financial assistance to help them compete, ensuring our communities continue to see development and progress.”

The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program connects small businesses with the state’s world-class universities and research institutions. Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program enables companies to pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education to support technology validation, accelerate product development and strengthen commercialization pathways.