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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate Criminal Law Committee that would protect victims from their abusers by closing gaps that could occur between an emergency and a final order of protection.

“When a judge grants a final order of protection, the intent is clear: the victim deserves protection,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “With more than 62,000 petitions for orders of protections filed in Illinois last year alone, we know how critical these legal tools are. This initiative ensures protection remains fully enforceable and protects survivors from dangerous loopholes.”

Through Senate Bill 3044, Stadelman is leading the charge to protect survivors of domestic abuse by ensuring an emergency order of protection remains in effect until the plenary, or final, order of protection has been served. Under current law, after a judge grants a plenary order, the emergency order initially granted is no longer in effect.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the governor’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget address Wednesday:

“During this time of uncertainty in Washington D.C., we must ensure a balanced budget while prioritizing the needs of our residents.

“I am glad to see funding for manufacturing training academies, pre-apprentice programs, and Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets. The proposal to invest in the construction of more affordable housing is promising.

SPRINGFIELD – To give consumers key information about how federal tariffs are increasing retail prices, State Senator Steve Stadelman introduced a measure that would require retailers to show the cost of tariffs directly on a product’s price tag.

“Rising retail costs due to tariffs shouldn’t be hidden from consumers who are already facing a cost-of-living crisis,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “When tariffs impact retail prices, that information should be readily visible to consumers.”

When the prices of everyday goods begin to skyrocket, consumers deserve transparency about the reasons why their shopping has become more expensive. Under Stadelman’s proposal, consumers would be clearly informed – at the point of sale on the product itself – how much of the retail price stems from tariffs imposed at the federal level. The bill would also include exemptions for small businesses earning under $500,000 in annual revenue and for products where the tariff impact is under 2% of the retail price.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman reacted today to the announcement that EDDR Foundation in Rockford would receive $440,000 in funding through the Illinois Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“The needs of the workforce remain a priority of mine, so I’m encouraged to see a second round of investment in the Rockford area,” Stadelman said (D-Rockford) in reference to EDDR earning a same-size grant in 2024. “The continuation of this program will increase access to good-paying jobs for underrepresented populations in our region.”

EDDR is among 39 organizations to receive $17 million in pre-apprenticeship grants statewide. Pre-apprenticeship grants are used to create a diverse pool of skilled candidates in construction and building trades and help them establish careers in the field.