SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman released the statement below following Gov. Rauner’s visit to Rockford to advocate on behalf of a temporary stop-gap budget:

“Despite his initial opposition to the idea, I am relieved that Gov. Rauner has changed his mind and now supports the stop-gap budget proposed by Illinois Senate Democrats last week. I look forward to working with the governor in a bipartisan manner that keeps state government operating and allows schools to open in August until a permanent resolution is found.

“I’m continuing to work toward an equitable education funding plan that will bring an additional $7 million to $10 million to our schools in Rockford. Failing to change the education funding formula will result in our school districts being forced to slash programs while drastically raising property taxes, a solution Rockford taxpayers cannot afford.

“There is much work to be done. I look forward to continuing to work together to reach a bipartisan solution that protects middle-class families.”