Week in Review - Dec. 5

Stadelman signs appeal to Congress to save historic tax credits
State Senator Steve Stadelman joined a bipartisan plea to the U.S. House of Representatives to retain the Federal Historic Tax Credit, which has helped create $3.5 billion in development and 45,000 jobs in Illinois since 2012.

"Rehabilitation projects across our state could be at risk if the FHTC is eliminated," states a letter from the Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the Illinois Historic Preservation Caucus and signed by lawmakers including Stadelman. "The FHTC ... is a proven economic development tool and a local jobs creator. "

The letter to Illinois' delegation on Capitol Hill cites eight Rockford projects at risk if Congress cuts FHTC including conversion of the vacant Amerock building into a riverfront hotel, indoor expansion of the popular outdoor City Market and redevelopment of the abandoned Barber Coleman industrial complex on South Main Street.

Loss of the federal program also jeopardizes the state's River Edge Historic Tax Credit, which Stadelman successfully fought this year to extend through 2022. State law that requires pairing  River Edge with FHTC would have to be amended, and Illinois "likely would not be able to make up the difference of lost credits at the federal level," according to the letter issued last month.

U.S. House members later approved a tax reform bill that included an elimination of FHTC; on Saturday, the Senate passed its own version. Now the two overhaul plans must be reconciled in committee and returned to each chamber for final votes before the end of the year.

State Senators: Time to stop using flawed Crosscheck system
The state's Board of Elections no longer would be allowed to share sensitive voter information with a controversial voter registration system under a new measure introduced in the Illinois Senate.

Senate Bill 2273 would prohibit the state from sharing any voter information with any interstate voter registration program other than the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). In doing so, the state's participation in the controversial Interstate Voter Registration Data Crosscheck Program would be halted. Crosscheck, which was pioneered by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, is seen by many as nothing more than an attempt to keep minorities from voting.

State Senator Steve Stadelman said he shares the concerns of the bill's sponsors regarding racial bias and the susceptibility to hackers of voters personal information.

In the news
CBS Chicago: Democratic lawmakers push for bill to stop Crosscheck system
U.S. News & World Report: Democrats unveil plan to remove Illinois from voter database

Memorial for fallen military personnel dedicated at Capitol

A memorial remembering fallen soldiers and their families was recently dedicated at the Illinois State Capitol. The memorial is sponsored by America's Gold Star Families, an organization that helps the families of fallen servicemen and women.

The Tree of Honor, located just east of the rotunda, is adorned with ornaments bearing names and pictures of members of the military from every branch who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The tree was decorated by military families with ornaments commemorating fallen soldiers from every conflict all the way back to the Civil War. It will remain up at the capitol through the holiday season.

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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Week in Review - Nov. 17

Lawmakers roundly reject governor’s vetoes
 
Last week was a good week for Illinois student borrowers and taxpayers who want more accountability from the government, as lawmakers overrode numerous vetoes to enact reasonable measures on behalf of their constituents. State Senator Steve Stadelman voted for all of the overrides:
•    The state's new Debt Transparency Act demands better accounting and reporting practices by state agencies so that the comptroller can understand the true extent of the bill backlog at any given time.
•    House Bill 302 requires insurance companies to search electronic records back to the year 2000 to determine if life insurance policyholders have died and take steps to get money to beneficiaries. The legislation protects average families who don't have financial advisors to keep track of paperwork that is easily lost in a move or forgotten about with the passage of time or onset of dementia.
•    Student Loan Bill of Rights  helps protect college students from predatory lenders when they borrow money to pay for their education. The governor's rejection was reversed in the House after having been previously overturned by the Senate.

Women receive free health services at annual Wellness Fair
Nonprofit agencies, local businesses and government offices provided free medical and alternative health services such as flu immunizations, cholesterol and blood-glucose testing, referrals for breast and cervical cancer screenings, massage and aromatherapy demonstrations and skincare consultations at Senator Stadelman's third annual Women's Wellness Fair.
Guests also enjoyed harp and flute duets by Emerald Wind and refreshments including Rockford Roasting Company gourmet coffee Sunday afternoon event at Riverfront Museum Park.
"The uncertainty surrounding health care these days has left many people confused and without affordable options," Stadelman said. "This event offers a place to turn for them to turn."
•    WIFR-23 news report

Week in Review - Nov. 3

Veterans can get "quick certification" for special driver's licenses at Stadelman event

Military veterans who wish to obtain Illinois driver's licenses that note their service in the armed forces may obtain the necessary paperwork at a Veterans Day event offered by State Senator Steve Stadelman and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Coffee and donuts are being served at the Veterans Day Quick Certification from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, in the Zeke Giorgi Center Lobby, 200 S. Wyman St.

To receive a driver's license with "VETERAN" appearing below the signature line, veterans must present official certification of their military status when renewing their license or applying for a state ID. Under legislation passed by Stadelman in 2015, veterans who present a driver's license with the designation qualify for discounts on purchases at participating businesses. The designation is also available on state identifications cards.

"Veterans can avoid the delay of a mail application or a trip to the Illinois National Guard Armory in Machesney Park," Stadelman said. "Providing this convenience is a small way to honor vets, especially those who live in or near downtown Rockford and tend to have a harder time accessing services."

Two state Veteran Service Officers, Matthew Taylor and Jessica Parker, will certify proper documentation of military service -- DD Form 214 or NA Form 13038. Veterans, especially reservists who need additional paperwork, are advised to review documentation requirements online at www.Illinois.gov/veterans before attending the event, although assistance in obtaining necessary paperwork will be available on site.

Senate reaffirms support for students, workers
The Illinois Senate rejected several gubernatorial vetoes last week, reaffirming their support for college students, collective bargaining and entrepreneurs.

Senator Steve Stadelman voted in favor of all three overrides:
•    Collective Bargaining Freedom Act to protects worker rights by blocking Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign to create municipal right-to-work zones that favor corporate profits over worker interests.
 
•    The entrepreneur learner’s permit program, a pilot initiative to encourage business growth by reimbursing first-time business owners in information services, biotechnology and green technology for some costs of state licensing and permits. In an amendatory veto, the governor removed a spending cap and expanded the program to all industries, which Stadelman and others believe would turn a smart business development into a potentially wasteful program.
•    Student Loan Bill of Rights , a measure that will help to protect college students from predatory lenders when they borrow money to pay for their education.
The Senate returns to Springfield  next week  for the second half of the fall veto session.

Citizens Utility Board advises TV consumers on viewing options in the Internet Age
Pay-TV consumers received tips for making their cable bills more affordable and learned the pros and cons of market alternatives like satellite and web streaming at a free presentation led by an expert from the Citizens Utility Board. Senator Steve Stadelman invites CUB to work one-on-one with utility customers to lower their bills at twice-yearly clinics; this week's event marked the first time CUB has offered advice on television costs to Rockford-area consumers. Those who missed the presentation can order copies of "CUB's Guide to Cutting Your TV Costs" online.