Stadelman proposal to protect homes from fires signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – In November 2014, Cherry Valley firefighters arrived at a house fire only to find a hydrant that was inoperable and to be used only for flushing, not fighting fires. As it turns out, the hydrants were broken and no one had told the fire department. While the house burned, they had to wait for water to be transported to the scene before the fire could be extinguished.

Today, Senate Bill 373, sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was signed into law by the governor. Stadelman passed the legislation through the Senate earlier this year.

“Firefighters must know the working condition of the hydrants they use to be able to effectively put out fires. Thanks to this new law, no family in Illinois will have to watch their house burn to the ground because the firefighters hadn’t been updated on the status of their hydrants,” said Stadelman.

The new law is effective immediately.

Sen. Stadelman hosting Women's Health Fair

Please join State Senator Steve Stadelman at an upcoming Women's Health Fair Sunday, November 15 from 1 - 4 p.m., at the YMCA Log Lodge. For more information, see the flier below.

Stadelman proposal to protect homes from fires heads to the governor’s desk

SPRINGFIELD– In November of 2014, Cherry Valley firefighters arrived at a house fire only to find a hydrant that was inoperable and to be used only for flushing, not fighting fires. As it turns out, the hydrants were broken and no one had told the fire department. While the house burned, they had to wait for water to be transported to the scene before the fire could be extinguished.

Senate Bill 373, sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) advanced through the House and will require private water companies to notify fire departments of the working capacity of the hydrants. Stadelman’s legislation passed through the Senate earlier this spring.

“To be able to effectively extinguish fires, firefighters must know the working condition of the hydrants they use. This legislation will stop another family from having to face the devastation of watching their home burn while firefighters stand by helpless because they hadn’t been updated on the status of the hydrants,” said Stadelman.   

The proposal will now be sent to the Governor’s desk.

Stadelman proposal to assist domestic violence victims signed into law

SPRINGFIELD– Winnebago County's only domestic violence shelter today praised legislation passed by State Senator Steve Stadelman that helps victims escape abusive situations by giving them up to 60 days to pay initial deposits on gas, electric and water bills.

Under the law, deposits must still be paid but victims have more time to get their finances in order so they can move out. Many domestic violence victims are forced to stay in dangerous environments because they don’t have the resources to leave.

"This legislation is very beneficial for victims of domestic violence who are fleeing to safety," said Karen Gill, vice president of operations for Remedies Renewing Lives. "One of the biggest barriers for victims is setting all the pieces in motion, such as coming up with the money for utility deposits, to establish an independent residence."

Gill said Stadelman's legislation also helps shelters like Remedies, which has operated at or over capacity all summer. "The sooner we can transition a victim to her own living arrangement," she said, "the sooner we can offer a safe place to someone else in need."

“Giving victims additional time to get their financial affairs in order removes one of the largest hurdles for them moving out on their own. Hopefully now, these victims will be able to move to a safe place faster than ever before,” said Stadelman.

The new act, signed this week by Gov. Bruce Rauner, takes effect beginning January 1, 2016.