The Illinois Senate recently passed a spending plan for next fiscal year that includes an additional $155 million more for education than what is being spent in the current budget. The governor's proposed cuts to General State Aid were roundly rejected but even with the added money, Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford believes more still needs to be done.

Education funding for the next budget year is at an 89 percent proration level, and Lightford says she will continue to push for ending the embarrassing practice of proration and restoring education funding to its proper 100 percent level.

Last week, Lightford made a powerful argument for properly funding education during debate of the budget on the Senate floor. You can listen below.

If the player isn't visible, click here for the audio file.

Under a new law sponsored by Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, parents will have access to a newly designed school report that will show them how their child’s school is performing in three key areas – student outcomes, student progress, and school environment – beginning in 2013. The legislation was recently signed into law by Governor Quinn. See photos from the bill signing ceremony below.

Listen to Senator Lightford describe the impact of this new legislation:
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Listen to Senator Lightford describe the new features of the revamped report:
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Listen to Senator Lightford discuss Illinois' recent advancements in education:
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Senator Lightford gave the following statement at the ceremony: “Parents have a right to know how their child’s school is performing. It’s also important for us to be able to track vital information about student progress so that we can determine what policies and practices are working and how we can do better.” Click "Read More" to read the entire news release.

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