SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In response to the release of police body camera footage showing the killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis officers, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) released the following statement:

“The release of police body camera footage makes clear what we already knew: the murder of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was brutal and unjustified. Our deepest condolences are with his family and all those who knew and loved him. The police officers who beat this young man to death have no place in law enforcement, and were rightly dismissed. Still, this is not enough. These officers callously and viciously killed another human being and Mr. Nichols’ family deserves justice.

“For the people who are angry, for the people who are sick of living in fear, we will always stand with you in the fight for justice. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken in Illinois, including passing major criminal justice reforms as part of our four-pillar agenda two years ago, but there is still much more work to do.”

CHICAGO — State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, D-Chicago, will continue to push for innovative policy regarding technology in his role as chair of the House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT Committee.

“As our dependency on technology steadily increases, it is essential that lawmakers provide substantive policy solutions to the problems we face in the sphere of cybersecurity, data analytics and information technology,” Robinson said. “From investing in cybersecurity education to diversifying the industry and protecting personal data, our committee has abundant opportunities to support the cybersecurity, data analytics and information technology industry, protect Illinoisans, and improve our technological infrastructure.”

Robinson will use the knowledge and experience he gained as chair of the 102nd General Assembly’s House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT Committee to further modernize and improve Illinois’ cybersecurity response. He previously spearheaded efforts to invest in cybersecurity education (House Bill 5661), update old language in state laws to reflect modern technology issues (House Bill 5164), and improve Illinois’ response to cyber threats (House Bill 5165) in the last General Assembly.

“Though Illinois has made tremendous progress in modernizing our cyber response and supporting the data analytics and information technology fields, there is still much work to be done,” Robinson said. “I thank Speaker Welch for appointing me to such a significant position and I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues to produce meaningful change that will benefit all Illinoisans.”

CHICAGO – Families will see relief through direct payments and tax relief under a budget package supported by state Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, D-Chicago.

“We know that families are struggling, and they’re looking to Springfield for help,” Robinson said. “It was critical that this budget not only supported critical community services – including public safety and education – but also helps families dealing with inflation and the effects of the pandemic.”

Under the Robinson-supported budget package, families can expect to see relief through:

• Direct checks to working families – at $50 per individual and $100 per child (up to three children per family; income limit of $200,000 per individual, $400,000 per joint filer);
• Suspension of the tax on groceries for one year;
• A six month freeze of motor fuel taxes;
• Doubling of property tax rebates (up to $300 per household); and
• A permanent expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The spending plan also includes nearly half a billion in investment toward public safety programs and law enforcement, including $48 million directed toward efforts to stop carjacking and its underlying causes. Additionally, an increase of more than $350 million is being directed toward schools as part of the evidence-based funding formula.

“If we want to effectively address crime in our community, we have to invest in programs that target the root causes of violence,” Robinson said. “This budget package reflects the need to address public safety comprehensively, and of the need to prioritize our youth. Investing more in our classrooms and youth intervention programs will help our children succeed and keep them on a path for success.”

The Robinson-backed budget also included increases in the Child Care Assistance Program, as well as $130 million for legal assistance for those under threat of eviction as a result of COVID-19. An additional $225 million in ARPA funding will be set aside for the Illinois Housing Development Authority to provide grants, forgivable loans and other expenses associated with affordable housing development programs.

For more information, please contact Lamont@LamontJRobinson.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Opportunities for women and minorities in information technology (IT) will be the subject of a House hearing Thursday morning to be chaired by state Rep. Lamont Robinson, D-Chicago.

“There’s a lot of high-paying, in-demand career opportunities in the information technology field, and it’s important that no demographics are being left behind,” Robinson said. “I’m looking forward to hearing about the current state of diversity of the industry here in Illinois, and what we can do to expand opportunities for those who want to take part.”

Robinson will chair a virtual House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and IT Committee hearing Thursday, March 31 at 10 a.m. to discuss the state of women and minorities in IT. Expected speakers include representatives from TeQuity Partners, Technet and the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT).

Viewers can watch a livestream of the committee at https://ilga.gov/houseaudvid.asp.

As part of efforts to support higher education aimed at cybersecurity, Robinson introduced a plan (House Bill 5561) to commit $100,000 toward the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp program. He is also partnering with DoIT to update old language in state laws to better reflect modern technology issues (HB 5164) and improve the state’s response to cyber threats (House Bill 5165).

CHICAGO – Following his commitment to strengthen local schools, state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, voted this week to make the Chicago School Board an elected body.

“Chicago is the only school district in the state that has an appointed school board,” Robinson said. “We’ve seen over and over again that our current school board has not put in the time and effort necessary to make sure that students in our community have everything they need in their schools to succeed. An elected school board will allow local residents from our neighborhood to properly advocate for the needs of our children.”

Currently, members of the Chicago Board of Education are appointed by the mayor of Chicago. Robinson’s House Bill 2267 would change Chicago’s current appointed board into an elected one starting with the 2023 municipal election. Registered voters with residency in the Chicago electoral district for at least one year immediately preceding the election would be eligible to run for a board member position. The legislation would split Chicago into 20 districts that would each elect a representative for the board. Additionally, the measure calls on the General Assembly to review and make any necessary improvements or changes to the structure of the elected school board in 2029.

“Our neighborhoods and students have been disproportionately impacted by decisions of the current school board that closed local schools, increased class sizes and didn’t bring important resources to our classrooms,” Robinson added. “I believe that a school board that represents our community will help bring many much needed resources to our teachers and students.”

For more information about legislation or upcoming events, contact state Rep. Robinson’s constituent service office at District5Rep@LamontJRobinson.com.