SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the governor’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget address on Wednesday:

“We must pass a balanced budget this year that continues to set Illinois up for success. The governor’s proposal is a good starting point from which we can further develop into a solid budget that upholds our state’s priorities.

“I’m pleased to see the continued investments in education at all levels. Our students deserve access to quality resources and educational attainment. The $350 million increase for evidence-based funding in K-12 schools and the MAP grant increases for public higher education institutions continue to show Illinois’ commitment to bettering our educational system.

“I’m really excited to hear about the new program that aims to address vacant state properties like the former Singer Mental Health Center in Rockford. This land has been empty for years and the new Surplus to Success initiative would allow for the remediation of the site, in turn, creating more economic opportunity and development in the region.

“The state has seen many credit upgrades as a result of more responsible budgetary in recent years, and my hope is we can build this year’s budget on the foundation of the fiscally responsible decisions we have made before.

“People are counting on us to make common sense decisions in Springfield, and as budget negotiations go on, I’m going to advocate for smart spending so we can get to a place where the budget is fiscally sound, helps our economy and represents our needs."