On August 15, 2023, State Representative Lakesia Collins took an oath to become the 5th District’s new Senator of the state of Illinois. Though she will be serving in a new district, she will continue to work for all the districts she affected with her humility and kind heart. To commemorate her new role as an Illinois official, it’s time to reflect on what she’s done for the 9th District and Chicago in general.
Lakesia Collins’ Backstory
Although Collins lives in Springfield, she was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. As she grew up and pursued her education, her talent for being a helping hand started when she became a certified nursing assistant at nursing homes.
During this time as a nursing assistant, Collins watched as problems like safety and financial issues plagued black and brown communities. This led her to take action as Lakesia became a part of the executive board of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, a union she created. By letting legislators know about healthcare issues, the union had the nursing home reform bill passed in 2010.
A decade later, Lakesia Collins looked to secure the open seat as State Representative in Illinois. She may not have started with those on her side, yet her ability to bring people together for a shared goal proved she’s ready to lead. The Democratic State acknowledged this, as she won Representative of Illinois by 46% against six other candidates.
From that moment on, her work to help build a better can ever closer.
The Bills That Changes Lives
In May 2022, Collins wrote bills to crack down on a subject essential to having a safer, healthier, and financially blessed life, everyone deserves.
The first bill was secured to tackle lead poisoning via home pipes. This made sure the Department of Public Health and other local departments would safely find lead mitigation and solve them as quickly as possible.
The next bill excused the Cook County Bank bank authority from property taxes being held and local governments excused from mailing tax fees. But the bill does more as it also gets rid of costly wait times in the property tax exemption process
Lakesia also wrote a bill to penalize employers who violated workers’ rights. The bill includes jobs having mandatory meal breaks for employees working over 7.5 hours and penalties for employers violating the “One Day Rest in Seven” Act.
As a State Representative, one of the final bills she wrote required exit interviews for youth over the age of 5, leaving the Department of Child Protective Services custody. The interview must happen within five days of removal. Additionally, these interviews must include a caseworker and a mental health expert as the Department interviews with the child.
These bills were all approved and signed by Governor Pritzker, State Representatives, and the Senate of Illinois.
Celebrations: By the People, For the People, With the People
If there is one thing Senator Collins is not afraid of, it’s having a good time. Lakesia is no stranger to her community and always comes out to events whether sponsored by them or not.
For example, she and her team hosted several Mother’s Day-themed events at UCAN on Central Park Avenue. During the event, she highlighted her sponsors like GrubHub who set up tents for citizens looking for jobs, healthcare options, or even a plate to take home.
With the permission of community members, Lakesia also hosted a PlayStreet block club party outside of her representative office. “PlayStreet Chicago” is an initiative to build stronger communities using residential play areas for children to come outside and have fun. The block club parties are one of the few examples of their work, as they reach out to different neighborhoods with a message to send.
The block party was a celebration not only for children to celebrate the school year coming to an end. It also helps at-risk neighborhoods bring their kids back outside to spread joy and promote non-violence. Collins herself made sure she spent time with children and family in the community as she danced and played Double Dutch with everyone involved.
Staying in Touch
Senator Lakesia Collins takes pride in the communities she serves and loves. As such, she communes with the community as often as she can, building relationships as she goes. She will stop in to Bingo Social to speak with senior citizens how she can best serve them. Or speaks at events, like she recently did at the 2nd Annual Peace Summit at North Lawndale College Prep at the Collins campus.
Written By Daylontie Jasper
Sources :
Chicago Leader: State Rep. Lakesia Collins 3rd Annual Block Club Party; by Frackle
Illinois General Assembly: Lakesia Collins Primary Bill Sponsors
Chicago Leader: Several of State Rep Collins’ Bills Signed Into Law; By Sheena Robertson
Chicago Leader: PlayStreets Block Parties Celebrate End of School Year in Chicago; by Kenneth Mazerat
All Image Courtesy of TNS
