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.

 In case you missed me on Facebook ...

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!