SPRINGFIELD – To help fill vacant state job positions, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure out of the Senate to diversify the state workforce and improve hiring outcomes that would open the door for more state job positions for people across Illinois.

“There are many people who have relevant work experience but lack a college degree, eliminating their eligibility from almost all state government jobs,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “If a degree is the only qualification they don’t meet, we are turning away talent that will still be able to get the jobs filled and done right.” 

Senate Bill 1884 would allow relevant work experience – in lieu of a bachelor’s degree – to be considered when filling state job opportunities. Relevant work experience does not apply if the knowledge, skills or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained through a course of study in pursuit of a bachelor’s or other advanced degree.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“It is always an honor to take the oath of office and serve the people of the greater Rockford region. I will continue efforts to boost our economy, increase access to health care and education and improve the lives of people in the 34th Senate District and throughout the state.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we tackle Illinois’ problems and look for solutions. I'll continue listening and fighting for the people of the Rockford area and ensure their voice is heard in Springfield.”

ROCKFORD – Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) three local museums will receive a combined $838,000 to make improvements and create new exhibits.   

“Museums provide extraordinary opportunities for education and are great environments to explore and learn about our history,” Stadelman said. “The grants going to these museums will provide the resources necessary to serve the community.”

The Department of Natural Resources announced three museums in Rockford that will be receiving grants. The Rockford Art Museum will receive $301,000, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens will receive $104,000, and the Discovery Center Museum will receive $433,000.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would create a commission to help make a statewide network of new and existing high-speed passenger rail lines a reality passes the Senate.

“Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state,” Stadelman said.

The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.