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.

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Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford sat down Friday to talk about some of the isses important to the 4th Senate District, including pension reform, concealed carry and education funding among others.

Throughout her tenure in the Illinois Senate, Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford has been a champion for education, working tirelessly in Springfield for increased educational opportunities. And through her Saturday University program, she's working just as tirelessly in the 4th District for local students.

Partnering with The Black Star Foundation, Lightford's KAL Saturday University provides instruction in math, reading and writing for students in fifth through eighth grade. Begun last fall, Saturday University opened its second semester in February with 90 students, who met with instructors every Saturday morning for 10 weeks. The free, community-based tutoring program is aimed at helping students improve their grades.

At the end of the semester on May 5, students received certificates of accomplishment and celebrated with a pizza party. Lightford attributed Saturday University's success to the teachers, volunteers and parents for their dedication, as well as the students for their hard work.

Plans already are in motion for the 2013-14 semesters as well as a possible program this summer.

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