SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) says Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner took the right action at the right time by restoring $26 million in funding to programs including Autism, Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy support. The move comes after sales tax revenue preliminary projections show an additional $300 to $500 million coming in to state coffers.

“I am grateful that Governor Rauner has seen the importance of these programs, especially how they positively affect residents in Northern Illinois,” said State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). “Governor Rauner has stood by his commitment to balance our state’s budget while maintaining core government services.”

Governor Rauner’s office had previously announced the $26 million in program cuts. Lawmakers and the Governor had passed legislation to patch the state budget with the goal of sparing the programs. Unfortunately, many agencies had already burned through their funding, meaning the further cuts were still necessary at that time.

Then Senator Syverson joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass additional legislation to free up enough money to restore the $26 million, but to date House Speaker Mike Madigan has blocked the proposal from passing the House.

“It is unfortunate that it looks like politics had something to do with the delaying of the restoration of funds to these very important programs,” said Senator Syverson. “I am grateful Governor Rauner was able to take Executive Action to restore the funding for these programs.”

According to Senator Syverson, due to Illinois’ current backlog of bills, and uncertainty over whether the increase in revenue will continue, the Governor won’t be able to restore any other additional cuts.