ROCKFORD – Rockford-area public schools will receive an additional $9.3 million for the current school year, thanks to a new school funding plan backed by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). The new evidence-based plan sends additional dollars to schools with less access to local resources.

While projections had been previously available, today the Illinois State Board of Education released the final dollar amounts school districts will receive.

“Thanks to hundreds of hours of bipartisan committees and the hard work of students, educators and parents, today is a historic day for Rockford and Harlem school districts. This new formula offers our schools the stability they need to educate future generations,” Stadelman said.

According to ISBE, Rockford School District will receive nearly $8.6 million more, while Harlem Unit District will receive an additional $772,000. Payments to school districts are expected to begin next week and continue through the rest of the fiscal year.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2018 budget address.

“Once again, the governor’s rhetoric failed to match reality. He says he wants to reduce property taxes, but today’s proposal will result in a significant property tax increase on Rockford families.  I appreciate the governor’s call for cutting back government, but his priorities are misplaced. While he proposes cutting autism and addiction prevention services, he also proposed spending $30 million on a horse barn in Springfield.

“The governor needs to drop his campaign talking points and lay out a balanced budget that addresses our $8 billion backlog of bills and puts our state on stable financial footing.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2018 budget address.

“While the governor laid out broad ideas today, he again failed to present a plan to accomplish them.

“In each of the last three years, we have seen the governor present extensive goals, but fail to achieve them due to combative, partisan politics. It’s my hope the governor will finally be able to present a balanced budget that will attain bipartisan support and bring our state back to financial stability.”

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ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following the passing of former Congressman John Anderson.

“John Anderson was the true embodiment of a public servant. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he joined the Army and fought to protect our country during World War II.

“As a congressman and presidential candidate, he had a proven track record of being an independent, bipartisan voice for the Rockford community. Even after he retired from the public life, he continued to work toward bipartisan reforms to improve our election process.

“We could all learn a little from Congressman Anderson in this particularly partisan environment. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family during this difficult time.”

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