Week in Review - 1/30/17

Senate budget deal in progress; Stadelman reacts to State of the State address

Efforts continue in the Illinois Senate’s to craft a bipartisan compromise and break the two-year budget stalemate that has crippled state finances and economic growth. Newspapers throughout Illinois are heralding negotiations between Senate President John Cullerton, a Democrat, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, a Republican, as a potential breakthrough in a historic budget standoff that otherwise appears to have no end in sight.

The deal could be voted on when lawmakers return to Springfield the week of Feb. 7. Among its components are property tax relief, local government consolidation, procurement reform, workers compensation reform, school funding reform and gaming expansion.

Even Governor Bruce Rauner, in his 2017 budget address this week, praised the Senate for taking the lead in forging an agreement.

“I appreciate the governor’s acknowledgement," Stadelman said. "However, weeks after state funding ended for higher education and services for our most vulnerable citizens, the governor once again failed to lay out his own plan to address the two-year budget impasse. Compromise is difficult and takes time, but I look forward to continuing to work in the Senate toward a negotiated, bipartisan and long overdue spending plan.”

Stadelman offers utility bill clinic this week

State Senator Steve Stadelman has invited experts from the Citizens Utility Board to conduct a free clinic where local consumers can learn ways to reduce their gas, electric and landline telephone bills. The clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 State St., Rockford.

CUB advisors will offer one-on-one analysis of gas, electric and landline phone bills, information on spotting billing errors and incentives designed to help people improve energy efficiency.

“Utility costs always take a bite out of people’s wallets in the dead of winter, when people are also faced with holiday bills coming due,” Stadelman said. “This workshop offers a chance to learn about all the cost-savings options that are available."

Consumers are encouraged to call or email to secure an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Refreshments will be provided. To register for the clinic, please call Adjua Goosby at 312-263-4282 ext. 111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. using the subject line: Rockford 1/31.

Stadelman reacts to State of the State

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the statement below following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 budget address.

“I appreciate the governor’s acknowledgement that the Senate has taken the lead in working toward a bipartisan budget compromise, which also contains many of the reforms he has called for in the past.

“However, weeks after state funding ended for higher education and services for our most vulnerable citizens, the governor once again failed to lay out his own plan to address the two-year budget impasse.

“In the Senate, I look forward to continuing to work toward a negotiated, bipartisan budget for the first time in over two years.”

Jails must accept cash for bail starting Jan. 1 thanks to Stadelman

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning on Jan. 1, law enforcement officials will have to accept cash to post bail thanks to Senate Bill 2252, which was passed earlier this year by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford).

The idea was brought to Stadelman by Rockford-area resident Kevin Lunsford, whose teenage son was arrested for a traffic offense last year. When Lunsford arrived at the Winnebago County Juvenile Center to bail out his son, the credit card machine was broken and the county has a policy to refuse cash.

As a result, Lunsford’s son was forced to sit in the juvenile center the entire weekend – significantly longer than the law requires and at an increased cost to taxpayers.

“This new law is a prime example of a citizen getting involved when they notice a problem with their government,” Stadelman said. “Because Kevin brought this problem to my attention, we now have a common-sense solution so nobody will have to stay in custody longer than necessary because of a simple technology malfunction or a policy to refuse cash."

Stadelman-backed tax credit for downtown Rockford signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – After nearly two years of negotiation led by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law Senate Bill 1488, which will extend the River Edge Historic Tax Credit for an additional year. Previously, the tax credit was set to expire Jan. 1, 2017. The legislation is Senate Bill 1488.

The credit has been an important economic tool for the revitalization of downtown Rockford and is equal to 25 percent of the rehabilitation costs for a business in a historic building.  

“This credit is a vital tool for economic development. For years, it has been the only financial incentive for developers to invest in downtown Rockford,” Stadelman said. “To date the tax credit has spurred more than $100 million in development in our community alone.”

Previously, the tax credit was used to incentivize projects like the $12 million renovation at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, which created 110 construction jobs. In addition to Rockford, the credit is also available in Aurora, Peoria, Elgin and East St. Louis.