Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - March 30, 2018

Stadelman listens to student concerns about gun violence

Students from East High School met with Senator Steve Stadelman this week to share their thoughts on gun violence in America and learn about legislation to regulate firearms at the state level. Alondra Lavariega, Rachell Alvarado (center) and Simon Davis helped organize the recent March For Our Lives at Davis Park and an earlier protest at East.

Stadelman discussed two gun safety measures approved this month in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly:
•    ban on the sale of assault weapons to anyone under age 21
•    72-hour waiting period after purchase of an assault weapon

Neither piece of legislation has been acted on by Governor Bruce Rauner, who vetoed a third measure to require state licensing of gun shops. Stadelman explained to the students that what happens to that bill depends on whether enough Republicans are willing to cross party lines in the Illinois House because the Illinois Senate can override Rauner on the votes of Democrats alone.

Stadelman commended the students' efforts and noted that his four children participated in the local March For Our Lives, one of more than 800 nationwide and two dozen across Illinois.

"You're moving the needle," he said. "The fact that you're taking action could lead to legislation no one today would have envisioned."

Stadelman reacts to Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2018 budget address.

“Once again, the governor’s rhetoric failed to match reality. He says he wants to reduce property taxes, but today’s proposal will result in a significant property tax increase on Rockford families.  I appreciate the governor’s call for cutting back government, but his priorities are misplaced. While he proposes cutting autism and addiction prevention services, he also proposed spending $30 million on a horse barn in Springfield.

“The governor needs to drop his campaign talking points and lay out a balanced budget that addresses our $8 billion backlog of bills and puts our state on stable financial footing.”

Stadelman reacts to State of the State

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2018 budget address.

“While the governor laid out broad ideas today, he again failed to present a plan to accomplish them.

“In each of the last three years, we have seen the governor present extensive goals, but fail to achieve them due to combative, partisan politics. It’s my hope the governor will finally be able to present a balanced budget that will attain bipartisan support and bring our state back to financial stability.”

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Stadelman: Congressman Anderson was a true public servant

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following the passing of former Congressman John Anderson.

“John Anderson was the true embodiment of a public servant. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he joined the Army and fought to protect our country during World War II.

“As a congressman and presidential candidate, he had a proven track record of being an independent, bipartisan voice for the Rockford community. Even after he retired from the public life, he continued to work toward bipartisan reforms to improve our election process.

“We could all learn a little from Congressman Anderson in this particularly partisan environment. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family during this difficult time.”

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