CHICAGO – A community-based nonprofit organization, Search Inc., was awarded $144,000 to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options, thanks to strong support from State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“Creating more options for disabled folks in the community allows them to have more flexibility for when and where they choose to use transit,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With these investments, we are developing our public transportation network to give residents more options when they need to travel for health care or work, and I am proud to support this investment.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The program helps smaller transit agencies navigate the red tape of the public bidding process while ensuring their vehicles meet federal requirements and specifications. Search is set to receive two vehicles through the program, totaling $144,000, for better accessible transportation. Search serves more than 350 individuals and their families annually, from Lincoln Square in Chicago to Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove and Mount Prospect.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today we heard about continued funding toward necessary programs and opportunities that so many residents rely on, but there is much left to be done for residents that are still waiting for assistance.

“It is vital for our communities to see Illinois invest in reducing maternal mortality rates across the state. The new investment in the Illinois Department of Public Health to create a plan is an important step toward addressing this issue facing so many Black women in our communities. I look forward to the progress we can make together to fight this epidemic so that the women in our communities across Illinois are protected from these inequities in care.

“I remain committed to advocating for and supporting programs that help low-income families across Illinois, including the proposed expansion of Smart Start Illinois to prepare children to be lifelong learners and bring more teachers into the field. I am also excited to see an investment into the low-income diaper program as I have pushed for this initiative for a long time, as well as the investments into Home Illinois for those facing housing insecurity.

SPRINGFIELD – As a champion of justice and equality, State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to announce that she will serve as vice chair of the Senate Human Rights Committee.

“As a strong advocate for equity, I will be a voice for those who are often left out of the conversation,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “People are counting on us to uphold their dignity, and I will be there every step of the way. I was born with the gift of compassion and will continue to do my part to improve the lives of others.”

In addition to her role as vice chair of the Senate Human Rights Committee, Collins is a member of the Senate Early Childhood Education, Financial Institutions, Public Health and Revenue committees.

Collins was appointed to serve the 5^th Senate District following three years in the House of Representatives where she was the Black Caucus Whip and chair of the Health Care Availability and Access Committee.

“We must address the root causes of the disparities marginalized communities have faced for generations,” said Collins. “I will continuing working toward a brighter future for our communities, together.”

Committee schedules and livestreamed proceedings are available at www.ilga.gov.

Now-former State Representative Lakesia Collins was sworn in as the new state senator of the 5th District Tuesday evening.

Collins joins the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus after serving in the Illinois House of Representatives where she was the Black Caucus Whip and chair of the Health Care Availability and Access Committee. Welcome, Senator Collins!