2015 has already brought some great memories and moments with it. Just since the beginning of this year, Senator Lightford has felt privileged to be a part of so many great causes and initiatives, and she has had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people along the way that have worked hard to improve our communities and nation as a whole. Luckily, we were able to capture some of these great moments and accomplishments in photos with the Senator and people like you who have largely been responsible for progressing our vibrant communities and our great state.

-              Earlier this month, the Senator stopped to talk with advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association in the Capitol and discuss the importance of Alzheimer’s research and awareness.

-              The Transportation Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Training program (TCART) is a crucial initiative sponsored by Senator Lightford through IDOT that creates transportation job opportunities for otherwise untrained job seekers. The Senator is pictured here with Austin People Action Center (APAC) Executive Director Cynthia Williams and some apprentices in the program as they advocate for funds at the Capitol after the governor's budget address.

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is accepting applications for the 2015 Undergraduate Scholarship. This application is for students seeking an undergraduate degree. Applicants should be an accepted student at an accredited institution of higher learning to include community colleges, private institutions and certified vocational training programs.

It is vital for any state budget to strike a balance – balance between common sense funding necessities for those who need critical services and ensuring that Illinois is fiscally sound and competitive. To achieve a competitively and compassionately balanced budget, Illinois must focus on jobs, education options, services, and above all, people.

Not funding education at a 100 percent rate again this year is simply unacceptable. Ninety-nine percent funding would not be enough, so the proposed 95 percent is certainly not adequate. Furthermore, the possibility of slashing the state’s child care program, worker salaries, Medicaid, and other critical services, while instituting sharper tax cuts for CEOs will not move Illinois forward. It will only lend itself to further alienation and degradation of those unlucky enough to be ill, young, elderly or poor.

Yes, government leaders in positions of power hold many responsibilities, one of which is ensuring a thriving private sector, attractive to business and industry – but not to be forgotten is the awesome responsibility of protecting and serving the people. We cannot fall prey to the idea that we can bring prosperity to Illinois by proposing a budget void of a responsible level of help for the needy. This is not a balanced or feasible approach.

I still hold hope that I can work with this administration to institute a budget relying on justified reform and facilitating job creation.