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Biography of La Shawn K. Ford
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“Brighter days are ahead of us all.  I am passionate about building effective relationships as well as building bridges to success, meeting the needs of all.” – La Shawn K. Ford

Personal Background

Born to an unwed teenage mother in the Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago, never knowing his father, and adopted by his grandmother at birth, La Shawn K. Ford started his life with few material advantages.  When he was two, Ford’s family moved into a two-flat family building at Leclaire and Chicago Avenues in the Austin community on the West Side of Chicago.  Through hard work, love, and tenacity, his family provided him a chance to attend the school across the street, Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Elementary School.  They overcame further challenges when a fire gutted the family home when he was seven, causing Ford and other family members to live with relatives for some time on the South Side of Chicago in the Englewood community.  Ford learned the value of hard work and made money for his family by shoveling snow, mowing lawns, collecting bottles and cans for recycling, and stocking produce in the local grocery store.  Because of his drive to help people even at an early age, Ford was called “The Alderman” in the neighborhood.  Incorporating the values taught by his church and school, and being a good student, Ford enrolled in another Catholic school, Weber High School.  After high school, Ford became the first in his family to attend a four year college when he entered Niles College Seminary, and he contemplated becoming a priest.  After a year, he entered Loyola University, where he played on the basketball team and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Political Science.  For six years, Ford taught social studies to elementary school students and coached basketball in the Chicago Public Schools, and also worked as a Precinct Captain in the neighborhood where he grew up.  As a licensed Real Estate Broker, he then decided to pursue his goal of opening his own business in real estate, and he achieved that goal by becoming the founder and owner of Ford Desired Real Estate, now FDR Properties, providing services to hundreds of clients since 2001.  He is also an Illinois Licensed Insurance Agent.  He is the proud father of his daughter, Tia.

Political History and Philosophy

In 2006, campaigning on the theme, “Building Bridges to Success,” Ford gained the opportunity to represent the people of the Eighth District in the Illinois House of Representatives.  He was re-elected in 2008 and in 2010, and is now the Democratic nominee in 2012.  He has also been elected to be a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.  Representing a diverse district, which now includes the West Side of Chicago and the suburbs of Oak Park, Berwyn, North Riverside, Forest Park, Proviso Township, Brookfield, La Grange Park, La Grange and Western Springs, Ford has seized the opportunity to work hard on issues important to his constituents and to all citizens of Illinois.  Ford discusses issues with his constituents through his radio show on WVON 1690, “The Voice of the People”, his cable TV show on CAN-TV Channel 21, town hall meetings, small group discussions in constituent homes, and other opportunities.  Town Hall meetings have included: early childhood education; improving education in the Eighth District; the Eisenhower Expressway expansion and job opportunities through the Illinois Department of Transportation; legislation allowing the concealed carry of handguns (2 meetings); his bill proposing the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana; issues particular to senior citizens; public safety issues; utilities; unemployment issues for youth, seniors, minorities, and disabled; and support for small businesses.

Increasing social justice and addressing disparities are the common themes in his work, in areas such as jobs, education, health, small business development and housing.  Ford takes seriously his vow to uphold the Constitution of the State of Illinois, which was established to “eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; [and] provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual.”

Legislative and Community Accomplishments

Expanding Opportunities for Jobs

·         Introduced and passed the State Employment Application Act (HB 1332 – 95^th GA) through House and Senate stipulating that an application for state employment may not ask if the applicant had been convicted of a non-violent criminal offense.  Vetoed by the governor, no veto override; similar legislation introduced in the 96^th and 97^th General Assemblies

·         Introduced legislation that was signed into law creating the African American Employment Plan Act to: (1) improve the delivery of State services to Illinois' African Americans; (2) increase the number of African Americans who are employed throughout State government and who are promoted; (3) assist State agencies in meeting goals established by the African American Employment Plan; and (4) establish an African American Employment Plan Advisory Council (Public Act 096-1341)

·         Introduced a set of bills (HB3777, HB3778, HB3780 – 97^th GA) proposing state employment plans for youth, seniors, veterans, and disabled.

·         Sponsors yearly Career Fairs linking thousands of job seekers with potential employers; partnered with State of Illinois Central Management Services, Chicago Urban League, Malcolm X College and others to host thousands of job seekers and more than 80 employers/vendors

·         Sponsored a Parent Resource Day and Career Fair at Michele Clark High School to offer resources for families looking for work and interested in helping their children in school

·         Holds workshops to teach how to write successful grant applications

·         Partnered with Bethel New Life to host workshop on How to Effectively Manage an Office

·         Teams with YWCA to hold Workshops in Economic Empowerment, especially for women

·         Organized Job Intake Fairs in conjunction with Illinois Department of Employment Security at 5 Chicagoland locations for Vehicle Assembler jobs at Ford Motor Company

·         Sends daily Workforce Development emails with at least 20 pages of job leads to thousands of subscribers

·         Named Chair of the House Small Business Empowerment and Workforce Development Committee in the 97^th General Assembly

Improving Health

·         Introduced landmark legislation that became law which makes it easier and less intrusive for patients to be routinely tested for HIV in health care settings while preserving the rights of those being tested (Public Act 095-0007)

·         Introduced and passed House Resolution 0065 (96^th GA) urging the Department of Public Health to establish a comprehensive plan to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS by the year 2010

·         Discussed public policy issues with experts at 2008 International AIDS Conference, Mexico City

·         Introduced legislation that became law establishing the Farmers’ Market Technology Improvement Program Act, which helps people use their LINK cards (Food Stamps) at Farmers’ Markets (Public Act 096-1088)

·         Chief House Sponsor for successful legislation that amends the Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act to establish an electronic database to facilitate the purchase of fresh produce and food products by schools (Public Act 096-1095)

·         Chief House Sponsor for legislation that became law requiring the State Board of Education to develop and maintain a nutrition and physical activity best practices database (Public Act 096-1223)

·         Chief House Sponsor for legislation that became law requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish the Long Term Acute Care Hospital Quality Improvement Transfer Program, to improve quality in hospitals (Public Act 096-1130)

·         Introduced legislation that became law establishing the Lupus Education and Awareness Program within the Illinois Department of Public Health (Public Act 096-1108)

·         Introduced legislation that became law to update state statutes so the most up-to-date supplemental testing is done to confirm a preliminary positive HIV test (Public Act 097-0244)

·         Introduced legislation that became law so all CD-4 counts and HIV viral loads are reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health to improve the care of patients with HIV (Public Act 097-0550)

·         Introduced legislation (97^th GA – HB1600) to ban trans fats in foods served by food facilities – passed the House, defeated in the Senate

·         Leader in the successful fight to continue state funding to support University of Illinois-Chicago Sickle Cell Anemia Clinic

·         Early in the debate about national health care reform, introduced and passed House Resolution 0565 (96^th GA) urging the President and Congress to enact comprehensive health care reform

·         Went to Washington, D.C. in July 2009 to lobby Illinois’ congressional delegation to advance health care reform efforts

·         Since 2008, on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, has sponsored the Family Health Challenge honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for elementary and junior high students in efforts to combat childhood obesity – more than 400 students participate.  Has been held in Chicago, Berwyn and Oak Park

·         Sponsors community health fairs in conjunction with Circle Family HealthCare Network, Concerned Organization Who Cares, and local aldermen

·         Sponsored “What’s Killing Us?” Community Health Fair during Black History Month in association with American Heart Association, Circle Family Health Care Network, Loretto Hospital, TACTS, Black Nurses Association, American Cancer Society, ChildServ, Chicago Department of Health, and IDPH

·         Promoted Healthy Eating as part of Black History Month at a local grocery store, Leamington Foods

·         Sponsors blood drives in Chicago, Oak Park and Berwyn, partnering with LifeSource, St. Martin de Porres Church, the Southeast Oak Park Community Organization, and the Combined Veterans of Berwyn

·         Sponsors Austin Holiday Food Drive, collecting 10,000 items for local food pantries in 2010

·         Speaker, “Update on LINK cards at Farmers Markets”, Green Town 2011, Oak Park

·         Active with Building a Healthier Chicago, promoting and participating in the Walk Across Austin, 2011

·         Featured Panelist, Illinois Action for Children Community Forum on Childhood Obesity, 2011, Broadview

·         Member of Community Action Team for Healthier Kids (CATH-K), a coalition of 20 organizations working to decrease childhood obesity in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park

·         Member of the External Advisory Board for Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC)

·         Previous Member, Board of Directors, Circle Family HealthCare Community Health Center, Chicago

·         Trustee of West Suburban Hospital Medical Center, Oak Park

Improving Education

·         Introduced idea in May 2006 to locate a new comprehensive High School for the Austin community in Chicago at former Brach’s candy company site

·         Initiated efforts to place a referendum on the ballot urging the construction of a new comprehensive Austin High School

·         Introduced and passed House Resolution 0056 (96^th GA) urging the State Board of Education to establish a comprehensive plan to close the student achievement gap by the 2010-2011 school year

·         Chief House Sponsor of legislation that became law authorizing school districts to purchase electronic textbooks, instructional materials, and the technological equipment necessary to support the use of electronic textbooks from publishers and manufacturers (Public Act 096-1403)

·         Introduced legislation which became law which provides for a remedial summer school program emphasizing reading and mathematics for students performing below grade level for two consecutive years (Public Act 097-0086)

·         Hosted Town Hall meeting on Early Childhood Education in Berwyn

·         Held Hearings of State of Illinois House of Representatives Sub-committee on Education in the Eighth District to improve education in the Eighth District – Chicago and Oak Park

·         Chair of Subcommittee Hearing of the House Appropriations-Elementary and Secondary Education Committee at Bethel New Life

·         Sponsor of Education Summits in Austin and Oak Park to discuss education improvement

·         Hosted public hearing on Renaissance 2010 at previous Austin High School

·         Principal for a Day at Spencer Math and Science Academy and at George Rogers Clark Elementary School

·         Commencement Speaker, Michele Clark Academic Prep. High School

·         Commencement Speaker, Paul Simon Job Corps Center

Promoting Small Businesses

·         Introduced legislation that became law establishing a micro-loan program for qualified ex-offenders who are establishing their own businesses (Public Act 096-0656)

·         Introduced and passed House Resolution 1652 (96^th GA) urging Congress to establish a small business recession rescue task force

·         Introduced House Resolution 0576 (96^th GA) calling on Congress to support community banks that were greatly affected by the economic downturn but had not yet received any rescue funds

·         Introduced legislation that became law providing that not less than 10% of state contracts be awarded to small businesses (Public Act 097-0307)

·         Introduced legislation (HB3795 – 97^th GA) to establish a searchable database about businesses in Illinois

·         Introduced legislation (HB3868 – 97^th GA) better defining “small business” and “very small business” for the sake of procurement by the state of Illinois, and providing that not less than 1% of state contracts be awarded to very small businesses

·         Named Chair of the House Small Business Empowerment and Workforce Development Committee of the 97^th General Assembly

·         Formed State Representative La Shawn K. Ford’s Business Growth and Creation Committee, with the mission of promoting economic vitality, by providing advice, training, resources, and research to entrepreneurs and existing businesses, with the vision of increasing the number of strong small businesses and creating more job opportunities

Securing Housing and Preventing Foreclosures

·         Introduced legislation that became law providing that a defaulting homeowner be notified by mail that they have the right to remain in their home for 30 days after the entry of the order of possession (Public Act 095-0826)

·         Introduced legislation that became law requiring the name and contact information of the holder of foreclosed property be recorded and available to the public (Public Act 096-0110)

·         Introduced legislation that became law making it illegal for condo associations to disapprove a sale of a condo unit if the buyer uses financing guaranteed by the FHA (Public Act 096-0228)

·         Introduced legislation that became law increasing the penalties for anyone falsely posing as a landlord and obtaining rent or security deposits (Public Act 096-0496)

·         In November 2008, introduced and passed House Resolution 1276 (96^th GA) urging Congress to enact a 2-year moratorium on interest rate reset increases under sub-prime adjustable rate mortgage home loans

·         Introduced legislation (97^th GA – HB0092) providing that appraisers of residential properties would have to exclude the sales prices of foreclosed properties for 12 months after the date of the sale when an appraisal is being prepared – Re-referred to Rules Committee

·         Introduced resolution that was adopted urging the U.S. Congress to help prevent residential foreclosures (HR0045-97^th GA)

·         Sponsored Foreclosure Town Hall Meeting by being the Chair of Congressman Danny K. Davis’ Advisory Committee on Foreclosures

·         Moderator of Summit on the Foreclosure Crisis at Congressman Danny K Davis’ State of the District Meeting

·         Sponsor of Foreclosure Prevention workshops in Bellwood and Chicago

·         Sponsor of Homeowner Outreach Days, Malcolm X College

·         Is a leader in advocating for funding for affordable housing in Illinois

Supporting our Troops and Veterans

·         Introduced and passed House Resolution 0622 (95^th GA) urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation to allow free mailing of letters and packages to combat troops

·         Joined to support the Combined Veterans of Berwyn and spoke at Flag Day celebration, Proska Park, Berwyn

·         Named veteran Jonathon Tate as Community and Veterans Outreach Coordinator

Safeguarding our Environment

·         Sponsored legislation (HB6342 – 95^th GA) providing tax credits for those who use mass transit

·         Sponsored legislation (Public Act 95-0104) that increases energy conservation in State of Illinois buildings

·         Teamed with Bethel New Life to host a CEDA Energy Fair to spread information about energy conservation and reducing heating bills

·         Leader in the fight to declare those areas affected by the July 2010 floods as disaster areas, and assisted residents to apply for aid by teaming with schools to open their computer labs to the public

Addressing the Budget Deficit

·         Introduced House Joint Resolution 0083 (96^th GA) establishing the State Financial Crisis Task Force within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to address means of cutting costs and obtaining more revenue

Increasing Public Safety and Decreasing Violence in our Communities

·         Introduced legislation that became law prohibiting tinted front windshields and front side windows on cars (Public Act 096-0530)

·         Proposed using the Illinois National Guard to work with other law enforcement agencies to combat violence in Chicago

·         Proposed increased funding for police in high violence areas (HR1208- 96^th GA)

·         Hosted Summit on Violence Prevention at John Hay Community Academy in Chicago

·         Organized and hosted First Day of Summer Day of Mourning to honor children who had died in the community, and works with community groups to reduce gun violence

·         In follow-up to public discussion and two Town Hall meetings, introduced and passed HR 550 (97^th GA) establishing the Firearm Public Awareness Task Force, charged with analyzing data from other states with concealed carry laws and examining other firearm-related public safety issues in Illinois

Improving the Quality of Community Life

·         Sponsored legislation that became law that established the Council on Responsible Fatherhood, which aims to support fathers and help them to become more responsible (Public Act 095-0960)

·         Chief House Sponsor of legislation that became law amending the Illinois Parentage Act so paternity testing is done using the most modern DNA testing methods (Public Act 096-1074)

·         Appointed to the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood, 2012

·         Supporter for the completion of Maze Library, Oak Park

     Introduced HB 3782 in Spring 2012, which would make it unlawful for any employer to ask any prospective employee to provide any username, password, or other related account information in order to gain access to a social networking website where that prospective employee maintains an account or profile – passed the House, now in the Senate

·         Supporter for the completion of Maze Library, Oak Park

Advancing Citizenship and Social Justice

·         Introduced successful legislation stating the State of Illinois ratifies the agreement among the states to elect the President by National Popular Vote, to ensure that the candidate with the most votes is elected President of the United States (Public Act 095-0714)

·         Introduced and passed House Resolution HR 0909 (95^th GA) which urges Congress to amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to make all its provisions permanent

·         Introduced successful legislation designating each March 25 as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (Public Act 096-0930)

·         Authored and passed a House Resolution 0468 (96^th GA) with bipartisan sponsorship urging that social justice be the guiding principle in decision making in the House of Representatives

·         Chief House Co-Sponsor of legislation that became law creating the Racial and Ethnic Impact Research Task Force to determine a practical method for the standardized collection and analysis of data on the racial and ethnic identity of arrestees by State and local law enforcement agencies (Public Act 097-0433)

·         Introduced HB94 (97^th GA) proposing that for purposes of creating election districts and redistricting, requires that State and local governmental bodies use census figures adjusted to reflect the pre-incarceration addresses of persons imprisoned in State or federal facilities in Illinois – lost in the House

·         Introduced HR610 (97^th GA) supporting the continued peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights by Occupy protestors

·         Speaker at Berwyn Flag Day Celebration

·         Parade Marshal and Speaker at 4^th of July Parade, North Riverside

·         Conducted Redistricting Bootcamp as legislative boundaries were redrawn, working with the Lawndale Alliance, other community-based organizations and other elected officials

Legislative Committees

As Illinois State Representative, Ford is currently the Chair of the Small Business Empowerment and Workforce Development Committee.  He is currently a member of the House Committees on Health and Healthcare Disparities, Health Exchanges Subcommittee, Higher Education, Housing, Insurance, Tollway Oversight, Tourism and Conventions, and Veterans’ Affairs.  Ford has been the Chair of the Foreclosure Subcommittee and also the Chair of the Eighth District Education Oversight Subcommittee.  Ford has had assignments in the Illinois House of Representatives Committees of Adoption Reform, Appropriations for Elementary and Secondary Education, Computer Technology, Disparities in Educational Achievement, Elections and Campaign Reform, Local Government, Pension Funds Management, Access to Federal Funding, Finance, Insurance, Juvenile Justice Reform, Revenue and Finance, and Youth and Family.  Ford is also the Chair of the House Democratic Task Force to Increase State Government Business Opportunities for Minority-Owned Enterprises and Small Businesses, and is a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Promote Economic and Workforce Development.

Community Service and Boards of Directors

Ford follows his natural instincts to get involved and is a leader in community affairs to create environments where organizations and communities can become more vibrant.  He serves on many Boards of Directors, including the Austin YMCA, Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory High School, Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Board for a Children’s Museum in Austin, Peace Corner, the External Advisory Board for Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC), and also serves as a Trustee for West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park.

Awards and Recognition

Ford has received numerous awards for his work in the Eighth District.  Recognition of his contributions include the Austin Business Owner of the Year Award; the Archdiocese of Chicago “Christifideles” and “Augustus Tolton” awards; the Chicago Association of Realtors “Outstanding Achievement” and “Excellence in Performance” awards; the “Outstanding Community Service” Certificate awarded by State Senator Don Harmon in collaboration with the Changing a Generation Foundation; a Certificate of Appreciation from the Austin Community South Austin Coalition; a Certificate of Appreciation from Ashunti Residential Management System Inc.; Honors from the Youth Connection Charter School; The Vernon Jarrett Legislative Award from Dearborn Realtist Board; The Legendary Leaders Award from Circle Family Healthcare Network; Special Honors from Child Serv;  Austin Senior Leadership Class Award; Principal for a Day at Spencer Math and Science Academy and George Rogers Clark Elementary School; the Safer Foundation Carre Visionary Award; the Illinois Farm Bureau Activator Friend of Agriculture award; The Austin Community Academy High School Black History Month Career Day award; the Illinois Council on Economic Education Certificate of Appreciation; the Quality Care Champion Award from SEIU Local 880; the 2008 Fleur-de-lis Program Service Award for Advocacy & Awareness presented by the Lupus Foundation of America–Illinois Chapter, Inc; one of Chicago’s Top 40 Game Changers in 2010 by the Urban Business Roundtable; the 2010 Friend of Agriculture Award from the Illinois Agricultural Association and the Illinois Farm Bureau; 2010 Legislator of the Year by Thrive Counseling Center, Oak Park;2011 Small Business Advocate Award by Small Business Advocacy Council; 2011 Award of Recognition for Expanding Opportunities for Employment from the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities; 2012 Legislator of the Year, Illinois Department of Human Rights and Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities; and 2012 Outstanding Legislator Award, Chicago Westside Branch, NAACP.

2011-04-22