CHICAGO (January 29) — Citing her activism and passion for issues that impact senior citizens and working families, three prominent progressive legislators endorsed Lakesia Collins for State Representative of the 9th district.
Collins, a native of Chicago and labor leader at SEIU Healthcare Illinois, has been recognized for her leadership by community organizations and other labor unions. She has been in the forefront of the movement to raise the minimum wage to $15, worked tirelessly to pass nursing home reform legislation and led in the effort to put a fair tax initiative on the November 2020 ballot.
“Lakesia Collins is a talented organizer with a proven progressive track record that demonstrates her dedication to the residents of the 9th District and her commitment to working families, affordable housing for all, and fully funded public schools,” said State Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-4th).
“I’m proud to endorse Lakesia Collins. Her leadership experience and proven dedication to the needs of the community will serve the 9th District well. I’m confident Lakesia is ready to be the leader the district needs to stand up to wealthy real estate developers and fight for working families,” added State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-39th).
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson (D-1st) described Collins as a determined and dedicated. “I am happy to endorse Lakesia Collins for State Representative of the 9th House District. As a mother, nursing home worker, and organizer — that’s exactly the kind of leadership we need in Springfield. Lakesia will fight for fully funded neighborhood schools, good paying jobs, and improving the quality of life of our communities. I look forward to working alongside her to bring justice and equity to the residents of the 9th District,” Johnson said.
“To be endorsed by three progressive leaders who I’ve admired and worked with during my career means the world to me,” Collins said. “I know the issues of our community and I’ve dedicated my working career to doing everything I can to address those issues. I’ll do even more if elected to represent the 9th District in Springfield.”