News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement in response to Gov. Pritzker’s budget address:

The governor's proposed budget recognizes the realities of the state's fiscal situation. In these trying times, we need to make sure we take care of our most vulnerable. I was pleased to see additional resources to help the state provide unemployment benefits and meal delivery services for seniors. While I don't agree with every aspect of this plan, I believe it attempts to make the best out of a difficult situation.

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Illinois Gaming Board’s decision to preliminarily approve the Rockford Hardrock Casino Thursday:

“I’m pleased with the gaming board’s decision to preliminarily approve the Rockford Casino. This project will bring millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs to the greater Rockford area.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with the gaming board as we take another step forward in this process.”

ROCKFORD – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) has announced a series of grants to organizations in communities to reverse decades of disinvestment. State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was pleased that Rockford-area organizations received more than $1.5 million for programs to boost economic development and prevent violence.

“The organizations who will receive the funds do great work that help boost up and support disadvantaged communities," Stadelman said. "I would like to commend them for all the good they do and congratulate them for earing the grants, and I look forward to seeing the additional help they’ll now be able to provide.”

Legislature passes sweeping equity reforms

In a marathon close to the 101st Illinois General Assembly last week, lawmakers considered four comprehensive bills to address equity in education, economic opportunity, health care and criminal justice. Work on the health care legislation continues while the three other bills were sent to the Governor. I want to give you an easy-to-digest overview of what I believe are the key points of these monumental, long-overdue reforms:

Education Equity

• helps ensure struggling young children get the resources they need to be ready for school and prepares all children for post-secondary education

• identifies more equitable ways to fund higher education

• expands and reprioritizes efforts to increase minority teachers

Economic Equity

• increases goals for minorities, women and people with disabilities to access state contracts

• protects consumers from predatory loans by capping interest rates

• evaluates discrimination in the state’s beauty supply industry

Health Care Equity

• evaluates the effectiveness of Illinois' managed care program

• grants a two-month stay on hospital closures

• creates a task force to undertake a review of health and human service programs with the goal of improving access and outcomes for all Illinois residents

Criminal Justice Equity

• increases police accountability, transparency and training

• promotes the use of co-responder models in a mental health crisis response