Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman

Stadelman calls on local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship grants

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, September 08, 2026 02:35 PM

ROCKFORD — To strengthen the workforce pipeline in the Rockford region and connect more local residents with good-paying careers in the construction and building trades, State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging community-based organizations in the 34^th District to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Rockford and the surrounding communities have a strong tradition of hard work, craftsmanship and opportunity, but we need to make sure local residents have the opportunity to be part of that future,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Pre-apprenticeship programs give people the skills, experience and support they need to enter the trades and build a career close to home. When we invest in our local workforce, we are investing in the strength and future of the entire Rockford region.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

Stadelman law strengthens orders of protection for Illinoisans

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, August 18, 2026 01:18 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that a survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”

More than 62,000 petitions for orders of protection were filed in Illinois last year, underscoring the importance of ensuring these legal safeguards remain effective and enforceable.

Stadelman announces over $100,000 in local literacy grants

Details: Category: News; Monday, August 17, 2026 03:19 PM

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ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is proud to announce over $100,000 in grant funding coming to the 34th District to support adult literacy programs.

“Supporting literacy is an investment in the skills and well-being of our neighbors,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will allow critical programs to remain accessible to the community.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

Stadelman-passed law targets older adult financial exploitation

Details: Category: Press Releases; Thursday, July 30, 2026 01:20 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for older adults and vulnerable individuals facing abuse, neglect and financial exploitation has been signed into law, providing courts with additional tools to intervene quickly and prevent further harm.

“Financial exploitation can be devastating, stripping vulnerable individuals of their savings, independence and security,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will give courts and law enforcement the ability to act swiftly when exploitation is suspected, helping protect victims and preserve their assets before irreversible damage occurs.”

The law creates a new mechanism to safeguard the assets of eligible adults who have been reported or found to be victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect. Stadelman emphasized the law is intended to improve responses to exploitation cases involving scammers who may communicate only through apps or other indirect methods.

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