SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, advanced a proposal out of a House committee Tuesday that would give voters an opportunity to institute a 3% surtax on income over $1 million and deliver billions to schools and homeowners in property tax relief.

“This would be a meaningful step forward to strengthen our schools, make life more affordable and ensure our state can continue to be a great place to take root in and succeed,” Ford said. “We’ve already seen support from residents in similar ballot advisory questions, it’s time to put working families first and make this change a reality.”

At a press conference held Monday in support of the amendment, former Governor Pat Quinn criticized Illinois’ regressive tax code, saying it disproportionately hurts working- and middle-class families. He said, “Illinois has an unfair tax code—one of the worst in the country. It’s an upside-down system that gives tax breaks to millionaires while placing higher property taxes on everyday people trying to stay in their homes or buy one.”

Ford on Tuesday led committee passage of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (HJRCA) 21. The proposed amendment would implement an additional 3% surtax on the portion of an individual taxpayer’s net income over $1 million. Of the revenue collected, 50% would be used for property tax relief and 50% would be distributed to school districts on a per pupil basis.

Based on data from the state’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA), a 3% surtax based on 2023 return data would have generated $2.2 billion. COGFA data also shows that the state added more than 12,000 new millionaires from 2016 through 2023.

“Illinois is a great place to succeed, and we want to open more doors for more people,” Ford said. “This amendment would make Illinois stronger and put us on a better path forward. Let’s give voters a voice this fall.”   

HJRCA 21 now moves to the full House for consideration.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect student loan borrowers amid rising uncertainty and a rapidly increasing cost of living, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is moving forward with a measure that eliminates punitive rules for state employees who default on their student loans.

“At a time when Washington is deprioritizing education and dismantling social safety nets, we cannot sit by while hardworking people lose their livelihoods because of financial hardship,” said Ford. “The law as it is written today disproportionately harms lower-income state employees and undermines the government’s ability to recover repayment when those in default lose their jobs.”

Ford’s House Bill 4687 passed the House with unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans, reflecting a shared understanding of the harm caused by the current law, which stems from the more than 30-year-old Education Loan Default Act.

Between 2009 and 2025, the cost of attending a public university in Illinois has risen more than 66%, placing additional strain on students and families.

In addition, according to research from The Century Foundation, the share of borrowers facing default is projected to rise from about 9.2% in 2019 to 25% in 2026. Ford’s measure would provide relief by ending the practice of terminating state employees who fall into default.

“The current law does not make sense,” said Ford. “If someone is struggling to pay a bill, taking away their job only makes it harder for them to pay it. I’m proud to see this common-sense measure advance, and I will continue to fight for real relief and affordability for my residents.”

House Bill 4687 passed the House on Tuesday and now awaits committee assignment in the Senate. 

CHICAGO – In response to news that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled many of Trump’s tariffs illegal, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, issued the following statement:

“Today is a great day for America. From the industries hampered in global trade to the millions of everyday Americans who have actually paid the price, we have long known that the Trump administration’s plan to increase our economy’s reliance on the imposition of tariffs was ill- conceived. Last year, his tariffs cost American families an additional $160 billion, and if they weren’t stopped, they would cost us even more in 2026.

“I am proud of the Supreme Court, which has three Trump appointees, for doing the right thing and fulfilling their duty as a check on the executive branch by stopping these tariffs’ destructive effects on America’s working families. Today’s victory reiterates that right and wrong know no party lines, and that our nation’s institutions are still preserving our democracy in these unprecedented times.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, led passage of a House Resolution this week honoring the impactful life of South Side icon Joseph Caldwell Sr., a trailblazing tailor and
leading Black business owner.

“Joseph Caldwell Sr. was a community pillar for decades in Chicago,” Ford said. “He didn’t just succeed in Chicago, he took root and worked hard for decades to help others as well.”

Born in Arkansas, Caldwell would first move to Chicago at age 16 before later serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning, Caldwell attended a tailoring school and opened TailoRite Cleaners in 1956 along with fellow veterans. The business thrived, and over the decades Caldwell would work with mayors, the Chicago White Sox and other influential figures. He continued to come into his shop into his 90s, and was featured earlier this year in Vogue.

Caldwell was also active in religious, charitable, political, business and civic organizations.

“He’s irreplaceable,” Ford said. “A pioneer who overcame significant obstacles, he will remain an inspiration for many. I’m forever grateful for his contributions, this city was blessed to have him.”

The full text of House Resolution 533 can be viewed here.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and Congressman Danny K. Davis will stand with family members of those lost to overdoses this Friday to share stories of remembrance, as well as deliver a message of hope as we look to strengthen support for those in need.

Ford, Davis, family members and local leaders will speak at a press conference at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of W. Corcoran Pl. and N. Central Ave. on Chicago’s West Side before leading a community march at 10 a.m. to 5645 W. Corcoran Pl. There, a resource fair will provide attendees critical health resources and material related to overdose awareness.

“Every overdose is a tragedy that hurts families and leaves a hole in our community,” said Ford. “I’m grateful for these brave families who have decided to turn grief into action. We must continue to push forward for better, commonsense resources and harm reduction services that value every single life. Together we can make a difference and save lives.”

“This year’s theme for International Overdose Awareness Day — One Big Family Driven By Hope — holds deep personal meaning for me,” said Pastor Fanya Burford-Berry, Director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force. “I have experienced the pain of losing my brother-in-law, Skipper, and my cousin, Stephanie, to overdose. As the director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, my commitment to this work is fueled by the hope that every person who uses drugs has the opportunity to seek recovery without judgment. IOAD is not only about honoring the lives we have lost, but also about standing together as one family — connecting people with the resources they need to stay alive, find healing, and move toward recovery.”

This year’s gathering comes during a time of uncertainty as the Trump Administration looks to delay and possibly cut critical support for lifesaving addiction and overdose services. Such funding is used to curb overdose deaths caused by fentanyl, methamphetamines and other drugs.

“We need to send a clear and urgent message to Washington that this funding needs to be protected,” said Ford. “The consequences of such a shortsighted decision will cost lives and hurt communities for years to come. Let’s choose to be compassionate leaders. Let’s choose a better path forward.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition, HOPE, Pastor Fanya Burford- Berry, Dr. Twin Green, Dr. Deondré Rutues, Sheila Hanneike, Shelia Blockson, Ed Boone, LaDarius Curtis, Regina Lewis and Rev. Jones

What: Press conference marking International Overdose Awareness Day, free community resource fair

When: Friday, Aug. 29; 9:30 a.m.

Where: Corner of W. Corcoran Pl. and N. Central Ave., Chicago (Resource fair will take place nearby at 5645 W.
Corcoran Pl.)

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will host his annual “Independence Day for Returning Citizens” community event Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Austin Town Hall to call attention to the challenges facing individuals returning from incarceration and to provide free community resources to help impacted residents in moving forward.

Ford will lead a press conference on the subject at 11:30 a.m.

“As we mark our nation’s independence, it’s important to recognize that many residents experience their own personal independence when they return home from incarceration,” Ford said. “Too often these individuals face significant barriers to essential life needs, including job opportunities, healthcare and more. We come together every year on July 3 to advocate for a better, more responsible path forward that eliminates hurdles and refuses to engage in a reckless cycle of permanent punishment.”

Ford’s community event is free, and attendees will be able to access community resources to help with employment, healthcare, reentry services and more. Congressman Danny K. Davis will be honored for his work to help returning citizens, and additional remarks will be provided by keynote speaker Benny Lee and spoken word artist Orion Meadows.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Emphasizing the opportunity to save lives, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will lead a Blue Room press conference with advocates Thursday to discuss his proposal for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to create and implement an Overdose Prevention Site pilot program.

Ford will join the Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition in the Capitol Blue Room this Thursday, March 13 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the plan.

“Having toured a location in New York and regularly engaged harm-reduction advocates, I’ve seen firsthand the strong, positive impact Overdose Prevention Sites can have on communities,” said Ford. “Every life we lose to an overdose hurts a family, hurts a neighborhood and hurts a community. So many areas of our state have been devastated in recent years, which is why we must take real steps forward to show that there is hope. Overdose Prevention Sites offer that hope, and a real opportunity for people to get the help and care they deserve. This should be a bipartisan effort.”

“The Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition (IHRRC) stands with Representative Ford in affirming that ‘no life should be lost to an opioid overdose,’” said IHRRC Co-Chairs Dr. Tanya Sorrell and Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, LCSW. “While recent reports highlight the success of harm reduction efforts in lowering overall overdose deaths, disparities persist. Rural and marginalized communities—particularly Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations—continue to experience disproportionately high overdose fatalities in Illinois.

“A comprehensive solution, such as an Overdose Prevention Site, provides critical, life-saving services for people who use drugs (PWUD). These sites not only reduce overdose deaths but also alleviate strain on emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency departments (ED), ultimately saving lives and taxpayer dollars. Beyond immediate medical care, they offer access to healthcare, recovery resources, and social support—helping to rebuild trust in communities that have long faced stigma and isolation.

“By providing a judgment-free space for individuals seeking help, Overdose Prevention Sites serve as a vital bridge to hope, healing, and re-engagement in society.”

Ford’s House Bill 2929 directs DHS to establish a pilot program for Overdose Prevention Sites. Such sites are intended to save lives, reduce the spread of disease, lower the number of public injections and connect users to needed services. As Ford’s measure notes, thousands of Illinois die every year due to overdoses, many of which are preventable and involve opioids. Nearly all witnessed opioid overdoses are reversable with naloxone and emergency care, and Overdose Prevention Sites can provide immediate assistance, if necessary, while further connecting individuals with long term solutions.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition

What: Press conference in support of Overdose Prevention Site pilot program

When: Thursday, March 13; 11:30 a.m.

Where: Capitol Blue Room; Springfield, Ill.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday after the governor’s annual budget address:

“With Washington in a state of recklessness, now more than ever we need to deliver a state budget that understands and prioritizes solutions to the challenges facing families across Illinois. This needs to be a responsible document that strengthens support for our schools, expands access to lifesaving health care and chooses to create real economic opportunity for every community.

“As the chair of the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee, I’m particularly interested in seeing how we can further support our higher education network to open doors and provide residents more chances to succeed. Our higher education dollars provide significant, long-term economic contributions to this state, and we need to build on this critical investment.

“If we want to create a stronger Illinois, we have to put in the work to uplift every family. Today is the first step of a longer process, and I’m looking forward to the task ahead.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With a new General Assembly beginning, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, wants to prioritize passage of a consumer protection Delta-8 plan and has filed the first bill in the Illinois House this legislative session.

“There is a lot of disagreement among lawmakers, business owners and advocates right now about how to proceed with Delta-8, but we need to come together and pass an agreed-upon bill,” Ford said. “We have to prioritize the safety of minors, but let’s make sure we pursue a collaborative process and do it the right way. My legislation is intended to get the ball rolling.”

Ford began his new term by filing House Bill 1, dubbed the “Prevention of Use of Hemp Cannabinoid Products Intended for Human Consumption by Ingestion or Inhalation by Persons Under 21 Years of Age Act.” His measure does not fully ban Delta-8, but would institute a framework of regulations.

“Conversations have been ongoing, and I’m optimistic we can get to a resolution,” Ford said. “I’m looking forward to additional engagement in the days ahead.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

CHICAGO – In the wake of the murder of Sonya Massey in Springfield, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join U.S. Congressman Danny Davis, Chicago Ald. Emma Mitts, Healing
Temple Church, officers from the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District and other community leaders for a press conference Saturday morning to push for greater unity between the community and law enforcement in pursuit of better safety for all.

Officials will gather for the press conference at 9:30 a.m. at the Healing Temple Church parking lot, located at 4941 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago. Following the press conference, the 36th annual Say No to Drugs and Violence Parade and Scholarship Resource Fair will kick off at 10 a.m.

“This gathering represents the ongoing dialogue between this community and law enforcement,” Ford said. “To root out violence and pursue a better path forward, we have to come together and stand up against hate in all its forms. This is an important annual community event, but the unnecessary and tragic murder of Sonya Massey especially reminds us this year of why we must engage and take meaningful, collective action.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, U.S. Congressman Danny Davis, Ald. Emma Mitts, Healing
Temple Church, Chicago Police Department 15th District
What: Press conference calling for unity between community and law enforcement to enhance safety,
followed by 36th annual Say No to Drugs and Violence Parade and Scholarship Resource Fair
When: Saturday, July 27; 9:30 a.m. (Parade scheduled to start afterwards at 10 a.m.)
Where: Healing Temple Church parking lot; 4941 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago