Stadelman: News organizations should be shielded from retaliatory lawsuits

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman championed a new law that protects the rights of Illinois residents and the press to freely express their views in the media.

“As a former news anchor, I know it’s essential for the media to use their First Amendment right to free speech and press,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law ensures the media can do their job freely, without fear of legal harassment or intimidation.”

Stadelman filed Senate Bill 1181 following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for journalists. The new law strengthens the state’s existing Citizens Participation Act by expanding protections for individuals and the press against lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them, regardless of the motive behind the lawsuit. A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is a legal tactic used to silence or intimidate critics by burdening them with costly and time-consuming litigation, often targeting individuals or organizations who speak out on issues of public interest.

The Supreme Court ruled the state’s anti-SLAPP law did not protect media outlets or journalists. Stadelman’s new law clarifies news organizations should be shielded from retaliatory lawsuits.

“We cannot allow SLAPP lawsuits to be used against people speaking out or reporting the truth,” said Stadelman. “We’re making it clear that Illinois values free press and democracy.”

Senate Bill 1181 was signed into law Thursday.

Governor signs Stadelman bill to expand state job opportunities for Illinoisans

State Senator Steve Stadelman championed a new law signed by the governor today that aims to improve hiring outcomes and open the door for more state job positions for people across Illinois.

“Educational barriers are a major reason why many job positions sit unfilled, and that needs changed,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law allows us to consider years of hard work and real skill, which matter just as much as a college degree.”

Senate Bill 1884 allows 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.

“I know our state has the talent we need to fill open state jobs,” said Stadelman. “I’m happy this measure is at the finish line so we can fill these positions with people who come ready to work backed with years of experience.”

Senate Bill 1884 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect immediately.

New Stadelman-led law to increase accountability and clarity in health care providers

To ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman championed a new law that requires hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Seeking medical help is already expensive,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals shouldn’t be tacking on fees to patients bills without prior discussion about costs.”

The new law requires hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee. Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

Read more …

Stadelman brings more than $22.4 million in additional funding to local school districts

State Senator Steve Stadelman announced four school districts will receive over $22.4 million in evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding that the state provides.

“Since the implementation of the EBF formula, I have seen how these funds have positively impacted our local schools in the Rockford region,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding is necessary for schools, especially in underserved areas, in order to provide adequate resources to staff and students, on top of ensuring children are receiving a top-notch education.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

Read more …