AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/la-shawn-k-ford/)
Austin lawmaker La Shawn Ford said the new state budget includes $12 million to fund Illinois’ witness protection program. The Leaders Network has been pushing for the funding for years.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford shared his story of overcoming cancer, and 30 men were screened for prostate cancer at West Suburban Medical Center last weekend. Free screening is available through the end of September at The Loretto Hospital.
A virtual town hall held last weekend addressed the reservations some people have about getting the vaccine. Officials said it’s especially important that African Americans get vaccinated, since Black Chicagoans are dying at a higher rate than other groups.
The 14th annual family health challenge, organized by state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The event, held virtually and at the Kehrein Center for the Arts and presented by the Austin Renaissance Council, highlighted the importance of storytelling with panel discussions, poetry and musical guests. It prompted uncomfortable conversations, emphasizing the importance of Austin residents taking control of their narratives.
Parents and teachers from Chicago’s West Side and Oak Park attended a legislative forum last week at which funding and other issues were discussed.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford urges the governor to establish a commission to create a plan to address poverty.