Despite the historic budget impasse Illinois is facing, Democratic lawmakers and Governor Rauner came together last Spring to pass a budget to fund K-12 education. Even though the education budget was signed into law, the Illinois Comptroller can still choose to divert available funds to other areas of the budget. I believe we must continue to prioritize education funding. Below is a letter I sent to Comptroller Munger today asking her to do the same.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) voted in favor of a proposal today to provide funding for Rock Valley College. The college, which has received no state funding this year due to the budget impasse, has been faced with drastic cuts and layoffs recently.

The legislation, Senate Bill 2043, provides $260 million to community colleges across the state.

“Rock Valley College is a tremendous asset to the entire Rockford area. It is past time they received this funding to allow them to do what they do best – educating the future of our state,” Stadelman said.

Funding for Monetary Assistance Program grants was also included in the proposal. The grants, previously held up by the budget impasse, help low and middle-income students pay for college tuition.

While many colleges and four-year universities were able to continue to provide funding for students during the fall semester, nearly 1,000 students were unable to return to school in 2016 as some schools’ funding dried up.

The proposal, which passed the Senate with a vote of 36-12-3, now heads to the governor’s desk.

Please join the Citizens Utility Board and State Sen. Steve Stadelman Friday January 21 for a utility bill workshop for tips on lowering your utility bills.

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.