Update: Governor releases funds for Rosecrance after Stadelman inquiry

SPRINGFIELD – Following a line of questioning from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) in the Senate Appropriations Committee, the governor's office has released funding that will allow the Rosecrance Triage Center to stay open through June 30.

“The Triage Center has been effective at keeping those with mental illness out of jail and out of the hospital, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars,” Stadelman said. “However, while this funding is a start, it still does not resolve the governor's long-term opposition to the program.”

In 2012, when Singer Mental Health Facility was shut down by the state, Rosecrance was promised more funding to allow them to serve patients through community based programs, such as the Triage Center. Until these funds were released, Governor Rauner had broken this promise.

To provide additional stability for the center, the Illinois Senate also passed Senate Bill 2059 through the Appropriations I Committee, which will provide funding for Rosecrance. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote.

“I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together to support this proposal, to help fund services that our state so desperately needs,” Stadelman said.

Additional Coverage: Channel 17, Channel 23, Channel 13

Stadelman to host series of Town Hall Meetings

Please join State Senator Steve Stadelman for a discussion on issues facing our community at any of the three locations listed below.

Stadelman votes to override Rauner’s veto for Rock Valley College funding

SPRINGFIELD – Days after the Rock Valley College Board of Trustees announced it may be forced to raise tuition on students because of the ongoing state budget impasse, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) voted to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of funding for the college.

Because of the governor’s veto, Rock Valley College has yet to receive any funding for FY16. In December, the college also issued layoffs to 30 employees.

“How high will Rock Valley College have to hike tuition before the governor realizes higher education has to be a priority for Illinois? We cannot continue to hold students and employees hostage because of these ongoing political games in Springfield,” said Stadelman.

The legislation, Senate Bill 2043, also provides funding for MAP grants for middle- and low-income students to help pay for higher education. In 2015, there were more than 1,700 recipients of MAP grants in the Rockford area alone.  

Despite the ongoing budget crisis, the state continues to collect taxpayer money. Stadelman believes these programs should be a priority.

“We need to focus on prioritizing the funding we have to invest in education. The governor recently proposed the largest education bill for K-12 students in state history. He should show that same commitment to all Illinois students,” Stadelman said.

The veto override now heads to the Illinois House.

Sen. Stadelman reacts to Rauner’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D – Rockford) released the statement below following Governor Rauner’s budget address today:

“I share the governor’s frustration that Illinois has been without a budget for over eight months now. He had an opportunity today to lay out his plan to resolve the crisis we are in, which has forced layoffs at Rock Valley College and eliminated programs for children with autism.

“Instead, today we heard more partisan rhetoric and few answers. The governor and legislative leaders have to come together to find a bipartisan solution to stop the damage that is being done to our state.”