Tom, you are in approximately the same zone as I am ... yes, you need lights! Just buy a couple of shop lights, or how ever many you need for the number of plants you want to start. You don't need any kind of fancy lights, but make sure the lights are adjustable for height and keep them just a couple of inches above the seedlings. Leave them on for about 16 hours a day, using a timer takes the hassle out of turning them on and off. Getting them outside in the sunshine as soon as you can is definitely a plus; I pretty much consider Memorial Day our earliest possible time for putting tender plants out in the garden, but like to get them out for at least part of the time for a week or two before that. What are you planning to start? I've found that starting a little late is better than starting too early, things seem to catch up once they get out in the garden. I planted onion seeds in flats today, feels so good to be planting even if it IS indoors! Happy gardening!
