Landmark legislation signed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker brought recognition to Pembroke Township (Monday). And the recent signing of the state’s Economic Equity Laws may open the door for opportunity in the eastern Kankakee County area.

Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and others joined forces at the Lorenzo R. Smith Elementary School in Pembroke Township. Gov. Pritzker said there’s more work to be done, but this is a start. Elected officials locally celebrated the recent legislation as economic opportunity throughout Illinois.

Among the celebrants present (Monday) were Pembroke Supervisor Brenda Myles and Hopkins Park Mayor Mark Hodge and area legislators from the state.
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus members were present, pointing out the four pillars of the bill. An agriculture study will determine economic disparities associated with farm ownership and operations. The study, with the legislation, will focus on identifying and comparing economics, land ownership, education, and differences between African-American and white farmers.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said “we want to right some wrongs of the past and ensure equity in the ag industry.”

Similar studies are planned in Illinois’ cannabis and beauty supply industries.

94.1 WGFA