State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 budget address.

“I appreciate that Governor Rauner acknowledged the bipartisan effort of my colleagues in the Senate and our work on a budget deal. I am, however, disappointed that the he did not fulfill his constitutional duty to propose a balanced budget.

“Illinois has been greatly hurt by the unprecedented budget impasse. With funding now stopped for services for our most vulnerable citizens, it is more urgent than ever that we end this stalemate.

“In the Senate, I look forward to continuing to work toward a negotiated, bipartisan budget for the first time in over two years.”