SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this week, Rock Valley Community College was forced to announce it will lay off 30 employees due to the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2029 that would have funded community colleges.  State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) supported the legislation when it passed the Senate in May.

“These cuts are a direct result of the governor and legislative leaders refusing to cooperate to come to an agreement to resolve the state budget impasse. Now, instead of celebrating the Christmas season, 30 Rockford-area families will be struggling to make ends meet when the new year begins.  

“With the cost of four-year higher education skyrocketing, community college should be an affordable alternative. Refusing to fund these programs makes it nearly impossible for many middle-class students to better themselves through higher education. There is no time left. The governor and legislative leaders need to come to an agreement now, before even more damage is done to our state,” said Stadelman.

Currently, because of Gov. Rauner’s vetoes, there is no state support for public colleges and universities in Illinois. There is also no state support for the student financial aid program known as MAP.