CHICAGO – State Representative Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, is recognizing Illinois’ inaugural Disability History Month by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring students with disabilities have the support they need to learn, grow and succeed.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential,” Crawford said. “Parents should feel informed, supported and confident when advocating for their children. Every family deserves access to the resources they need, and every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.”

Crawford championed House Bill 1366, which became law as Public Act 104-0047. The law strengthens parental notice and participation in the special education process, helping families better understand their rights and access the resources they need to advocate for their children.

Disability History Month celebrates the history, achievements and contributions of people with disabilities while highlighting the importance of accessibility, equal opportunity and inclusion in schools and communities.

“Disability History Month is also a reminder that we must continue working to remove barriers and expand opportunities for everyone,” Crawford said. “Every person deserves to feel valued, respected and included, and that commitment must be reflected in our schools and communities.”

CHICAGO – State Representatives Mike Crawford and Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, hosted their second annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Commissioners Park, located at 8100 Beloit Ave. in Bridgeview. The event welcomed approximately 1,200 constituents for an afternoon of family-friendly activities and access to community resources.

This year’s event served three times as many constituents as last year and featured horseback riding, a costume contest and opportunities for residents to connect with state agencies and local municipalities. Representatives from these organizations were on hand to share information about available resources and services.

“Fall Fest is a great opportunity to bring our community together while connecting residents with resources available to them,” Crawford said. “We’re excited to see the event continue to grow and appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate with us.”

“It was great to see so many families come out and enjoy the festivities,” Davis said. “Serving approximately 1,200 constituents this year is a testament to the importance of creating opportunities for our community to come together and access valuable resources.”

Crawford and Davis thanked the participating agencies, local municipalities, community partners and volunteers who helped make the event a success. Both representatives look forward to continuing to host events that bring residents together and connect them with resources throughout their communities.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, is recognizing National PrEP Day on Oct. 10 and reaffirming the importance of expanding access to HIV prevention services for communities across Illinois.

“Access to PrEP should not depend on someone’s insurance status or ability to pay,” said Rep. Michael Crawford. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to protect their health and make informed decisions about their future. As we recognize National PrEP Day, we must continue working to remove barriers to HIV prevention medications and make sure lifesaving resources are accessible to everyone who needs them.”

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, is a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when taken as prescribed, reducing the risk of transmission by up to 99 percent. MISTR, the largest LGBTQ+ sexual health telehealth provider in the United States, is marking the second annual National PrEP Day by working to connect 10,000 new patients across the country with PrEP, regardless of insurance status. MISTR provides PrEP at no cost to eligible patients through insurance billing and patient assistance programs, helping address financial barriers that can prevent people from accessing HIV prevention medication.

“Ending HIV will require continued investment, education and a commitment to making prevention accessible to all communities,” Crawford said. “National PrEP Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about a powerful tool in the fight against HIV and to remind Illinoisans that prevention, education and access to care can save lives.”

Crawford encourages Illinois residents to learn more about PrEP, discuss HIV prevention options with a health care provider and take advantage of available resources.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, is calling for increased state investment across Illinois’ entire education system; from early childhood classrooms through colleges and universities, as lawmakers prepare for their upcoming veto session and future state budgets.

Crawford said Illinois must continue increasing its investment in the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula for K-12 schools, particularly as school districts face increasing costs and work to provide students with the teachers, support staff, academic programs, and services they need to succeed.

“Education cannot be something we fund in pieces,” Crawford said. “We need to look at the entire continuum; from Pre-K to Ph.D., special education to student affairs, and make sure Illinois is making the investments necessary for students to succeed at every stage. That means strengthening early childhood education, continuing to increase Evidence-Based Funding for our K-12 schools, and making higher education more affordable and accessible.”

Crawford has made strengthening Illinois’ investment in higher education a priority of his work in the General Assembly. As chief sponsor of the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act, Crawford will lead House efforts to advance a new funding model designed to provide Illinois’ public universities with more adequate, equitable, and stable state support, reducing reliance on tuition and fees and helping make a college education more affordable for Illinois students and families.

The proposed model represents a significant shift from the state’s traditional approach to university appropriations by establishing adequacy targets and directing new state resources toward closing funding gaps across Illinois’ public university system.

“We cannot have a serious conversation about college affordability without talking about the state’s investment in our public universities,” Crawford said. “When institutions are forced to rely too heavily on tuition and fees, students and families bear more of the cost. Illinois must be a stronger financial partner.”

Crawford emphasized that increased higher education funding should complement, not compete with, Illinois’ commitments to early childhood and K-12 education.

“We shouldn’t be forced into a conversation about whether we fund a four-year-old, a fourth-grader, or a first-generation college student,” Crawford said. “Illinois needs a comprehensive education strategy. Pre-K to Ph.D. means recognizing education as one continuous pipeline and investing accordingly.”

Crawford said he will continue advocating for increased education appropriations, including additional EBF investments and the resources necessary to move Illinois’ public universities toward adequate and equitable funding.

“Education is both an investment in people and an economic development strategy,” Crawford said. “When Illinois invests in education at every level, we are building our workforce, strengthening communities, expanding economic opportunity, and positioning our state to compete for generations to come.”

A longtime higher education administrator and educator, Crawford brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education to his work in the General Assembly. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, is celebrating the signing of two bills he sponsored that will strengthen student support services in Illinois schools and create clearer pathways to employment at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).

“These new laws are about investing in people,” Crawford said. “Whether it’s ensuring our students have access to highly qualified school psychologists or creating more opportunities for skilled workers to build careers at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, these measures help strengthen our communities and prepare Illinois for the future.”

House Bill 4397 modernizes Illinois law by aligning it with the training and licensure standards already required of school psychologists. The new law requires school psychologists to earn a specialized degree in school psychology, complete at least 60 graduate credit hours, and finish 1,200 hours of supervised professional experience. By formally codifying these long-standing professional standards, the legislation helps ensure students continue receiving high-quality mental health, behavioral and educational support services in schools across Illinois.

“Our students deserve access to highly trained professionals who can help them navigate academic, emotional and behavioral challenges,” Crawford said. “This legislation reinforces the high standards our school psychologists already meet while strengthening confidence in the services they provide to students and families.”

House Bill 4426 updates the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s hiring process by improving how job opportunities are advertised and creating a clearer pathway from apprenticeship to full-time employment. The law expands opportunities for apprenticeship graduates by allowing them to apply for certain entry-level positions, helping connect skilled workers with good-paying jobs while strengthening the district’s workforce.

“Apprenticeships give people the skills they need to succeed, and we should make sure those opportunities lead to real careers,” Crawford said. “This law creates a smoother path from apprenticeship to employment while helping the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District recruit and retain a strong, qualified workforce.”

Both measures were signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker and will take effect according to their respective implementation dates.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, is celebrating the signing of legislation that designates July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day in Illinois, ensuring the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Emmett Till are honored and remembered across the state.

“The signing of this bill at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ made this moment especially meaningful,” Crawford said. “It was there that Mamie Till-Mobley made the courageous decision to hold an open-casket funeral so the world could witness the brutality inflicted upon her son. Her courage awakened the conscience of a nation and helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement. By establishing Emmett Till Day, we are preserving that history and ensuring future generations understand the power of truth, courage, and the pursuit of justice.”

House Bill 4323 amends the State Commemorative Dates Act to designate July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day, to be observed throughout Illinois as a day to honor and remember Emmett Till. Crawford served as the Chief House co-sponsor of the legislation.

“I was proud to serve as the Chief House Co-Sponsor of House Bill 4323, because Emmett Till’s story is a defining chapter in our nation’s history,” Crawford said. “Commemorating Emmett Till Day is about more than remembering the past—it’s about educating future generations, confronting injustice, and reaffirming our commitment to equality and civil rights. Illinois has a responsibility to ensure that Emmett’s legacy, and the extraordinary courage of Mamie Till-Mobley, are never forgotten.”

House Bill 4323 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker and takes effect immediately.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, is celebrating the signing of legislation that strengthens Illinois’ commitment to justice by clarifying compensation for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.

“Justice does not end when a conviction is overturned,” Crawford said. “For those who have lost years of freedom because they were wrongfully arrested, jailed, and convicted for crimes they did not commit, rebuilding a life takes time and resources. This legislation helps provide a pathway toward that recovery while reinforcing our commitment to accountability and fairness.”

House Bill 3663 updates the Court of Claims Act to clarify how compensation is calculated for individuals who unjustly served time in prison, county jail, county juvenile detention facilities, Illinois Youth Centers, or while on parole or probation before receiving a Certificate of Innocence from the court. The law provides greater consistency in compensation awards while reinforcing Illinois’ commitment to fairness and accountability.

“I was proud to serve as the Chief House Co-Sponsor of House Bill 3663 because our justice system must be willing to correct its mistakes,” Crawford said. “These are people who should never have been arrested, jailed, or convicted in the first place. While no law can restore the years that were taken from them, Illinois has a responsibility to provide fair compensation and treat them with dignity and respect as they rebuild their lives.”

House Bill 3663 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker and takes effect immediately.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, joined community leaders, residents and local businesses to celebrate the official unveiling of Little Palestine Way, a new honorary designation recognizing the vibrant Palestinian-American community along Harlem Avenue from 79th Street to 111th Street.

“I am honored to represent Illinois’ 31st District, which includes much of Little Palestine,” Crawford said. “I am especially proud to have served as the chief co-sponsor of the legislation designating Little Palestine Way. This day is the result of conversations with community members who shared their vision of honoring the history, culture and contributions of Palestinian Americans in Illinois. That vision has become a reality.”

The designation follows the passage of House Joint Resolution 46, introduced by State Rep. Lisa Davis and chief co-sponsored by Crawford, honoring the countless contributions of Palestinian-American leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, cultural organizers, women’s organizations, faith leaders and families who have helped make the corridor a thriving center of culture, commerce and community.

Home to more than 200 small businesses, the Harlem Avenue corridor has long served as an economic and cultural hub for Palestinian-American families and entrepreneurs. The honorary designation recognizes not only the businesses that help drive the local economy, but also the generations of residents who have built and sustained the community.

“Little Palestine Way represents more than a street sign,” Crawford said. “It is a lasting recognition of a community whose resilience, culture and contributions have enriched our state for generations. I congratulate everyone who helped make this day possible, and I hope Little Palestine Way remains a symbol of pride, resilience and community for generations to come.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, is recognizing Illinois’ rich Blues heritage and celebrating the educators and community leaders who are inspiring the next generation of musicians through music education and cultural preservation.

“Watching these talented young musicians perform was a powerful reminder that the Blues is more than a genre of music—it’s a living part of Illinois’ history and culture,” Crawford said. “Recognizing the people who devote their time and talent to mentoring young musicians and preserving our state’s Blues heritage is something I’m proud to do.”

Crawford was honored to present and secure the adoption of House Resolution 586, which declares July 5–10, 2026, as Blues Kids Week in Illinois. The resolution recognizes the annual Blues Camp in Chicago and honors Fernando Jones and the Blues Kids Foundation for their outstanding contributions to music education, cultural preservation, and youth development.

For years, the Blues Kids Foundation has helped young people develop their musical talents while introducing them to the history and cultural significance of Blues music. Through its annual Blues Camp and other educational programs, the organization provides students with mentorship, performance opportunities, and a deeper appreciation for one of Illinois’ most influential musical traditions.

“Illinois has a proud Blues legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians”; Crawford said. “By recognizing Blues Kids Week, we’re also recognizing the value of music education and the opportunities it creates for young people to learn, grow, and express themselves. I’m proud to support programs like Blues Camp that invest in our youth while preserving an important part of our state’s history.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, is celebrating the governor’s signing of legislation that creates new apprenticeship pathways in Illinois’ barbering and cosmetology industries.

“Everyone deserves access to career opportunities that can lead to financial stability and long-term success,” Crawford said. “With House Bill 3460 now signed into law, Illinois is creating new opportunities for people to enter the barbering and cosmetology professions through paid apprenticeships that combine education with real-world experience.”

House Bill 3460 establishes apprenticeship pathways for individuals pursuing licensure in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology. The new law expands access to affordable career training by allowing participants to gain paid, hands-on experience while working toward professional licensure, helping both aspiring professionals and the businesses that employ them.

Traditional barber and cosmetology schools will continue to serve as valuable educational pathways across Illinois. House Bill 3460 creates an additional option for individuals who may benefit from an apprenticeship model that allows them to learn while earning a paycheck.

“This law is an investment in both our workforce and our small businesses,” Crawford said. “By creating another pathway to professional licensure, we’re helping more Illinoisans build rewarding careers while ensuring employers have access to a skilled and well-trained workforce.”