Stadelman measure will help Rockford balance budget, hold line on property taxes

SPRINGFIELD – A legislative measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman that allows Rockford to raise license fees on video gaming machines passed a key hurdle yesterday.

“These video gaming machines rake in thousands of dollars a month,” Stadelman (D-Rockford) said. “I think it is only right that Rockford be allowed to raise the license fees in order to balance their budget without raising property taxes.”

Senate Bill 1558 was brought to Stadelman by Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara due to Rockford’s status as a non-home rule municipality, meaning the city needs state approval to raise the fees unlike other downstate cities like Peoria or Springfield.

“I am incredibly thankful to our local ILBA Rockford Chapter for working with the City to institute what is a higher fee per machine, that without home rule we are unable to institute ourselves,” McNamara said. “This development would not be where it is today without the leadership of Senator Stadelman in Springfield.”

Currently, non-home rule cities cannot charge more than $25 annually for a video gaming machine license. SB 1558 would raise that limit to $250 for Rockford. In Peoria and Springfield, the license fee is $500 per year.

Having passed the Senate Executive Committee, the bill now goes before the whole Senate for a vote.

Stadelman: Budget proposal puts our values out front

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly heard Gov. JB Pritzker’s first budget address today.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued the following statement:

“I think the governor’s proposed budget places our values at the forefront by increasing funding for education from kindergarten all the way through college. I am also pleased with the increased funding for public safety and child care assistance.

“This isn’t the final product. We still have over three months to work on balancing the budget. I am confident however, that this new governor will bring a new way of doing things that will be a breath of fresh air after years of political gridlock.”

Stadelman votes to raise minimum wage

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman voted to raise Illinois’ minimum wage for the first time since 2010 today.

Senator Stadelman issued the following statement after the vote:

“Workers in Illinois have waited too long for a raise. This measure will put more money into people’s pockets and will help working families. However, this is not the silver bullet solution. We must continue our work funding higher education, infrastructure improvements and human service programs that will help the Rockford community.”

“I am also proud of the payroll refund that this measure includes that will help small businesses and non-profits adjust to the higher wages.”

The measure now goes to the Illinois House of Representatives.

Rockford Park District receives $250k grant

ROCKFORD – Washington Park on Rockford’s west side will see improvements thanks to a $250,000 grant the Rockford Park District is receiving from the state.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) says the improvements will help create jobs and improve the quality of life around the area.

“Maintaining safe and clean parks is a crucial step in improving our community’s quality of life,” Stadelman said. “I am glad the state sees the benefit of investing in our local park districts and I look forward to what the future has to offer.”

The grant comes as a part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program will provide more than $28 million to support 87 projects statewide, while two projects will be funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.