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.