Lobby day in Springfield

Comissioner Jessica Voogd and I attended the Illinois Municipal League meeting and lobby day in Springfield today to represent Forest Park. We received great information during the IML legislative update, and it was especially helpful to hear from state leaders at the department level.

As always it was outstanding to have the opportunity to speak with our State Senator, Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford. She and her team were especially gracious towards us in Springfield and demonstrated her commitment to the 4th district by making our visit especially memorable and important for the village.

Commissioner Voogd and I had a wide ranging conversation with her about Forest Park’s perspective on transit issues, crime free housing and her work on education. It was especially important for us to speak with her about the impact of the CTA and the calls our police and fire/EMS teams receive. Advocacy for improvements in transit will help us better coordinate these efforts. Most importantly, a safer, streamlined transit system will benefit Forest Park residents who use the CTA and currently experience delays and frustration. We shared with her the testimony from Mayor Hoskins to the transit authority about Forest Park’s longstanding concerns

We also spoke to Senator Lightford about Grant funding that we are waiting to receive from the state in Forest Park. As has always been our experience, Majority Leader Lightford was engaged, supportive and responsive to Forest Park’s needs.

It was inspiring and rewarding to return to Springfield with Commissioner Voogd to represent Forest Park and serve our community.