This week, Senator Lightford sits down to discuss her reaction to the governor’s budget address. She speaks on the importance of education not only being fully funded in Illinois, but also fundamentally rebalanced so that all students from all walks of life are able to achieve their academic dreams.

Sen. Lightford also shares her disappointment in the governor’s address failing to mention a bevy of critical areas of concern, including higher education, struggling human services programs and public safety.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the President Barack Obama’s address given to the General Assembly, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D – Maywood) released the following statement.

“More than the words spoken, sometimes a tone that strikes the right chord can deliver the strongest message. Beyond the president’s message of principled compromise, which I believe we all gravely needed to hear, his hopeful, yet defiant tone is what I take away most from the speech today.

“To move past the gridlock, we have to defy the pervasive narrative that we cannot work together or that political interests are outweighing the interests of the people. Our leaders need to come together with a fresh outlook and a grounded understanding of the consequences of their motivations and actions. Then and only then, will we move forward in a democracy for the people, by the people.

"The president is a true gentleman and friend, the two of us serving together in the Illinois Senate together from 1998-2004."

For our students to succeed, we need initiatives and programs that unite the resources of local businesses and government, as well as every college and K-12 school in our community.

Only by harnessing the synergy of working together can we make sure every student is given the opportunity for success.

Take a look at the article below to read about how one California working-class, urban city saved its education system through harnessing its community's strength, becoming a model for the nation.

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/02/the-long-beach-miracle/459315/

On the Senate floor, Senator Lightford rose in defense of essential MAP grant dollars being provided by legislation passing out of the legislature this week.

She spoke of state leaders' responsibility to help keep students' dreams alive and the importance of keeping the focus on education, where it should be.

The dollars being pushed through for students represents a healthy increase when compared to last year. The $32 million increase in funding could stand to benefit an additional 15,000 students across the state, including many in the Chicago area.

Community colleges, without the benefit of a higher influx of tuition dollars, have been hit by the budget impasse particularly hard. Therefore, SB 2043 also provides over $260 million for operational costs at community colleges throughout the state.

The legislation now goes to the governor's desk for final approval.