VIDEO: Senator Lightford reacts to the governor's budget address

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.

Lightford: To lift up our children, tear down old system

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s budget address, Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D – Maywood) released the following statement focusing on the need for an equitable education funding formula.

“Funding our schools without reforming our unfair education system does more harm than good. No matter how much wealth you have, throwing money at a problem is not going to solve it without understanding the real issues at hand. Our decades-old funding formula has not done anything to meet the needs of today’s students. It has only led to the most regressive funding system in the nation.

“We cannot wait any longer to give Illinois children the education they need to compete in this ever-changing world, and given his words today, I reserve hope that the governor is beginning to understand this. But, resources are scarce in many schools, disproportionately affecting minority students in Chicago and across the state. Schools are choosing between keeping students warm and paying for up-to-date textbooks. We need fundamental changes now that will address these issues in real ways.

“No one is talking about a budget that takes away from one student and gives to another. We are talking about lifting up a struggling student in a struggling school and providing her at least the same chance as anyone else to achieve her dreams.”

Senator Lightford, Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair, speaks outside of the House chambers on behalf of the ILBC in response to the governor's budget address

Lightford: Pres. Obama’s tone struck the perfect chord

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."

Reinventing education: A great example

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/