Illinois House Speaker, La Shawn Ford, has helped pass laws that involve housing, creating safer communities, more employment opportunities, better healthcare, and enhanced food securities. He has stood with the community members as they fight to end gun violence, raised awareness about drug overdoses, and called out for venues using public spaces without really supporting the people or area. Like when he stated that Riot Fest should have to pay a percentage to the community itself, not just towards the beautification of the park.
He has diligently worked hard to bridge the gaps that many communities face, as he speaks out for those unable to. La Shawn Ford has offered his support for families in need and helped show people anything is possible with some determination and a bit of elbow grease.
Housing in Chicago
For example, one of the laws he passed guarantees that homeowners will be informed by mail that they can stay in their homes for thirty days after an entry order. Additionally, this is because the law makes it illegal for condo associations to disprove a sale if the buyer is using financing from the Federal Housing Administration.
Also, he has helped individuals who are homeowners with foreclosure. Ford introduced a resolution that urged Congress to provide affordable housing loans. The resolution is a two-year moratorium on interest rate increases for mortgage home loans in 2008. This law makes housing loans affordable for individuals who are homeowners. And he put together a Foreclosure Prevention Task Force for the West Side of Chicago. Foreclosure prevention is also for individuals who live in the suburbs. Also, he introduced another resolution to Congress to stop residential foreclosures.
La Shawn Ford has worked to increase opportunities for individuals who have gone to jail and are re-entering society. He also expanded opportunities and protection for individuals who are veterans. Also addressed Illinois fiscal health and the ways to protect our environment.
The Community
La Shawn had two town hall meetings in the summer 2011. He talked about increasing the money that is used for the police who are in areas that have a high crime rate. Additionally, he also suggested that the Illinois National Guard can work together with other law enforcements to stop the violence in Chicago. He has also hosted a few events like:
- Summit on Violence Prevention, which was held at John Hay Academy in Chicago.
- First Day of Summer Mourning, to give respect to the children who had died in the community in 2011.
- And he partnered with Weinstein Meats and Gusto to make over 500 Christmas gifts to children at Leland Elementary School that same year.
He works together to with the YWCA in Economic Empowerment to have workshops especially for women. Ford sponsors health fairs for the community with Circle Family HealthCare Network. Also, he finance a legislation that gives tax credit to individuals who use mass transit.
La Shawn Ford has stood with his communities as tough decisions and topics are discussed. All while trying to show the people he represents that he is no better than them.
The Safety
After public conversations and Town Hall meetings organized by La Shawn, he helped pass a law for firearms and instituted a task force. The Firearm Public Awareness Taskforce examines information from other states on firearms regulations and laws. They examined that information so they can know how to decrease the violence in Illinois while promoting public safety.
Written By Markita Thomas
Sources :
Coalition Of African American Leaders – Hon. La Shawn K. Ford, Illinois State Representative
Wikipedia – La Shawn Ford
La Shawn K. Ford – Secure Fair Housing
Featured and Second Inset Image Courtesy of TNS Staff
First Inset Image Courtesy of Dean Shareski – Creative Commons License
