SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) has been sworn into the 104^th General Assembly, marking the start of her first full term in the Senate. As a former youth in care, nursing home worker with deep roots in the labor movement, and State Representative, Collins released the following statement:

“I have been on the front lines fighting for my constituents and residents across Illinois – from leading high-profile campaigns such as the fight for a $15 minimum wage, to negotiating contracts for nursing home workers and facilitating fair labor negotiations.

“With great honor I serve as the 5^th District Senator. As someone who always works to build a better society for all and to empower everyday people, I want to continue to push for legislation that gives residents ownership of their communities and reflects their voices. I remain committed to building upon my work in the Illinois House, bringing my unique perspectives to the table to drive progress in the Senate.

“As a working mother, I will continue to fight for investment in our communities through state funding, job opportunities and internship program building, and to close the economic wealth gap impacting the quality of life for working families. I will continue building on legislative successes from my time as representative, pushing for economic development, job creation, child welfare reform, reproductive health care and health equity, ending permanent punishments and more. I am humbled every day, and I hope to bring the spirit of resilience and determination to uplift communities across the 5^th Senate District.”

Collins joined the Senate in August 2023.

###