Stadelman’s legislation to spur construction spending passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois passed the Senate today.

The legislation allows the State Treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies. This change in the law would allow up to $700 million in financing.

“This measure creates new economic development opportunities for the state,” Stadelman said. “The construction industry is a key part of our state’s economy, so it only makes sense to allow the treasurer to invest in infrastructure projects.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand, and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders.

“Investing in construction is also investing in workers,” Stadelman said. “This opportunity will create good-paying jobs.”

Senate Bill 3028 passed with a vote of 55-0-0 and now goes to the House for further consideration.

Stadelman supports children’s lemonade stands

SPRINGFIELD – Earlier today in the Senate Public Health Committee, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) voted for legislation that would prevent children from having their lemonade stands shut down by overzealous local bureaucrats.

Senate Bill 3459 would eliminate any requirements, such as a license, permit, or fee, to sell lemonade or other non-alcoholic beverages for children.

Hayli Martinez, an 11-year-old Kankakee native who testified in support of the legislation, had her lemonade stand flagged by local officials and quickly shut down.

“My lemonade stand is a dream I shared with my grandma before she passed away. She always told me to make lemonade out of lemons, so I did,” Martinez said. “When my lemonade stand was shut down I became very upset. I asked myself why me? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Stadelman has a nearly identical bill, Senate Bill 3169.

“We should be encouraging our young entrepreneurs. The current law does nothing but discourage them,” Stadelman said. “I remember what it was like to be a kid in the summer, trying to find something to do. This legislation allows our youth to be creative and make a small profit at the same time.”

Stadelman is a chief co-sponsor of SB 3459, which passed committee and will now be reported to the Senate floor for full consideration.

Second phase of U.S. Business 20 improvement project slated to start

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) joined Governor J.B. Pritzker at the Rockford Police Department this afternoon to celebrate a Rebuild Illinois project that will help revitalize Rockford’s west side.
The project is the second phase of a plan to improve U.S. Business 20/West State Street from Day Avenue to Independence Avenue. The first phase included reconstruction of West State from Independence Avenue to Kent Creek.

“The project already has provided economic growth and a higher quality of life to an area long in need of a boost, “said Stadelman, citing improvements that include the new District 1 police station and Crusader Community Health rebuilding its main campus in the same West State location. “I’m thankful the state of Illinois is in the position to continue its work helping redevelop an at-risk neighborhood and a gateway into Rockford’s resurgent downtown.”

Besides reconstruction and widening of West State from two to four lanes, the project’s second phase includes the addition of decorative lighting, a pedestrian and bicycle path and reconstruction of sidewalk ramps to make the area more accessible for individuals with limited mobility.

“The non-road improvements are critical components to securing the neighborhood’s future as a vibrant place where families want to live and where they prosper,” Stadelman said.

A stretch of West State from Meridian Road to Springfield Avenue also is set to be resurfaced, beginning in April and concluding by the end of this summer.

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin

Stadelman encouraged by governor’s support for education and health care

State Senator Steve Stadelman cited JB Pritzker’s emphasis on education and health care as highlights of the governor's annual budget address last week.

“I’m pleased to see the governor is continuing his commitment to fund local education. Additional money for the state’s school funding formula will greatly benefit Rockford-area schools and its residents,” Stadelman said. “Over the last several years, the Rockford School District’s property tax rate dropped significantly thanks to the new formula.”

The proposed budget increases the evidence-based funding formula for K-12 schools by $350 million in addition to making investments in early childhood and higher education.

Stadelman also commended the governor’s proposal to invest more in health care for low-income and working families.

“This proposal also makes an important investment in Medicaid,” Stadelman said. “There are many in the Rockford area who rely on Medicaid to stay healthy, and health care is absolutely vital to our economy.”

Stadelman said that he’s looking forward to working with the governor on a new budget and building on last year’s success of passing a balanced, bi-partisan spending plan.

 Reform push shifts focus to criminal justice system

A joint legislative panel listened last week to witnesses reporting on the state of criminal justice reform in Illinois.

Members of two Senate committees and a House committee heard from experts with the Illinois Justice Project, ACLU-Illinois, Restore Justice, the Illinois Department of Corrections, multiple police departments and county state’s attorneys along with people directly affected by the criminal justice system in Illinois.

 The hearing centered on various criminal justice reform issues, including cash bail and victim protection.

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Congratulations to Charles "Chuck" Jefferson who now has a section of South Winnebago Street named in his honor -- right outside of the Booker Washington Center library, which also bears his name. Six years since he stepped down as the first African-American to represent Rockford in the Illinois General Assembly, Chuck continues to provide leadership at Booker!