SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1, an evidence-based school funding reform measure.

“I am disappointed that the governor failed to sign legislation that would ensure schools open in the fall and work towards an equal education for all children.

This legislation brings $5 million to Rockford Public Schools and puts our state’s neediest districts on equal footing with the rest of the state.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fix our broken school funding formula.”

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below urging Gov. Rauner to support Senate Bill 1.

“There is a lot of rhetoric being spread about the school funding reform measure that will soon reach the governor’s desk, but my support for it is simple: it will bring $5 million to Rockford schools.   

Our education funding system in Illinois is broken. This plan is the result of years of negotiations and work. Don’t’ be fooled by comments that it is a ‘Chicago bailout.’ This evidence-based formula will provide millions in funding to the state’s neediest districts, like Rockford Public Schools, and like the 268 districts that will receive more funding than Chicago Public Schools.

The only reason this legislation is not already on the governor’s desk is because he has threatened to veto it before even getting a chance to read it. Let’s hope these weeks of discussion have allowed cooler heads to prevail. This is a win for Rockford. I would urge the governor to support this much-needed reform.”

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve a balanced budget.

“Today, I voted to make sure that Rock Valley College’s doors stay open. I voted to make sure that roadwork in Rockford doesn’t grind to a halt. I voted to make sure that Rockford and Harlem schools open in the fall. Without a balanced budget, none of that would be possible. Today’s vote was not easy, but I am proud to have voted to restore certainty and stability to Rockford, Winnebago County and all of Illinois.”

Thousands of adults in Winnebago and Boone may get the chance to earn their high school diploma, thanks to legislation that passed the Illinois House.

The measure, sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) in the Senate, effectively eliminates the existing law prohibiting school districts from awarding high school diplomas to anyone over the age of 21.

“A high school diploma is nearly essential in today’s world, but not everyone is able to complete high school in the same amount of time,” Stadelman said. “These programs will give people a second chance and help them obtain job skills. And they benefit everyone, because a trained workforce is good for economic development in our communities.”

The legislation allows non-profit entities, including community colleges, to establish programs that can award high school diplomas to adult learners.

House Bill 2527 passed both chambers unanimously and heads to the governor’s desk for approval.