Stadelman passes River Edge Historic Preservation Tax Credit
After nearly two years of negotiation led by Senator Steve Stadelman, the Illinois Senate passed legislation to extend the River Edge Historic Preservation Tax Credit an additional year. Previously, the tax credit was set to expire Jan. 1, 2017. The credit has been an important economic tool for the revitalization of downtown Rockford, equal to 25 percent of the rehabilitation costs for a business in a historic building.
 
“To date, the tax credit has provided incentive for more than $100 million of development in Rockford alone,” Stadelman said. “The local economic development council estimates that extending the credit through 2017 would create an additional $110 million in development in Rockford. This would be a tremendous boost to our local economy.”
Previously, the tax credit was used to stimulate projects like the $12 million renovation at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, which also created 110 construction jobs. In addition to Rockford, the credit is also available in Aurora, Peoria, Elgin and East St. Louis. Senate Bill 1488 passed the Senate with a vote of 53-1 and will now head to the governor’s desk.

Epiphany award for community service given to Stadelman
Hope Fellowship Church of Rockford honored State Senator Steve Stadelman with its Epiphany award for community service during a gala celebration at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Rockford. The church presents the award to "selfless individuals who work without seeking the limelight ... to help overcome an obstacle." Stadelman was recognized for outreach efforts overall but especially for his free 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament. Hundreds of inner-city boys and girls have competed in Senator Stadelman's HoopStars since it began in 2013 as a Labor Day weekend event. Pastor Louis Malone, State Rep. Litesa Wallace and Rockford Ald. Tom McNamara also received awards.

Senate overrides automatic voter registration veto
An automatic voter registration system that would streamline elections, save money and reduce hassles for the average Illinoisan is closer to becoming law thanks to Illinois Senate Democrats.

Senator Steve Stadelman called automatic registration a common-sense, good-government measure that forces the bureaucracy to work for the people rather than the other way around.

"Automatic voter registration is growing in popularity across the country," said Stadelman, a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 250. "There's no good reason to require citizens to register to vote separate from when they get their driver's license when we have the technology for a seamless and secure one-stop process."

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the legislation even though he had previously expressed support and despite bipartisan approval in both the Illinois House and Senate earlier this year. Although all but one of the original Republican supporters backtracked, the Senate override now leaves the question in the hands of the Illinois House.

Veterans receive certification for special driver's licenses at Stadelman event

About 40 military veterans obtained the certification required to receive Illinois drivers' licenses that note their service in the armed forces at a Veteran's Day event offered by State Senator Steve Stadelman. Under legislation passed by Stadelman in 2015, veterans who present a driver's license with the designation qualify for discounts on purchases at participating businesses. To receive a driver's license with "VETERAN" appearing below the signature line, veterans must present official certification of their military status when renewing their license or applying for a state ID.
 
Stadelman's certification event gave veterans an opportunity to avoid the delay of a mail application or a trip to the Illinois National Guard Armory in Machesney Park. Two state Veteran Service Officers -- Matthew Taylor and Jessica Parker -- issued the certifications, and veterans enjoyed coffee and cookies while they were being processed.

Stadelman encourages early voting

On Sunday Senator Steve Stadelman encouraged community members to cast ballots early in the November 8 election for federal, state and local offices. "There are plenty of options this cycle," Stadelman said. "An extended grace period allows voters to register at early voting sites. And for the first time in Illinois history -- thanks to a bill passed by the General Assembly last summer -- voters can register and vote on Election Day."

Under same-day voter registration, which Stadelman supported in order to make it more convenient for people to vote and participate in our democracy, counties with more than 100,000 residents must allow Election Day registration.

2nd annual Stadelman event offers free health services for women