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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.

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State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford partnered with Introspect Youth Services to host her second "Connect with Your Future" College Fair. All Illinois public universities were present, as well as Triton College and City Colleges of Chicago. Senator Lightford welcomed Roosevelt University and Robert Morris University as new additions this year.

The fair had a huge turnout. Many parents approached Senator Lightford to thank her for having the fair. They said how beneficial it was to have private consultation with the representatives. Many students also chimed in and said the college fair was extremely informational and useful for them.

The presentations provided by Performing Community Solutions (money management), Illinois Board of Higher Education (establishing the curriculum for Illinois state universities & consumer protection), Illinois Student Assistance Commission (FAFSA completion and state financial aid), City Colleges of Chicago (Chicago community colleges), and Northern Illinois University (CHANCE program) were heavily attended and a large part of the fair's success.

Senator Lightford is excited and looking forward to hosting her third college fair in 2014.