URBANA – Steve Stadelman is among 40 emerging leaders from throughout Illinois who have been chosen as 2014 Edgar Fellows in the third year of an initiative to stimulate cooperation across regional, political and ethnic lines and help the state face major challenges in the years ahead.

Stadelman, elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012, will join public officials from various levels of government, business executives and civic leaders for an intensive training program Aug. 3-7.

Experienced practitioners and scholars will engage the Edgar Fellows in study and discussion of major policy areas including health care and economic development; the 2014 Edgar Fellows will subsequently join the 2012 and 2013 alumni in periodic gatherings to further their education and build their professional networks.

The fellows program is designed and hosted by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar and the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. Stadelman, a former TV news anchor and father of four, was selected from a highly competitive pool of 160 nominees.

"I'm honored to be part of such a distinguished group of new leaders and eager to put what I learn to work to improve Illinois," said Stadelman, D-Rockford. "I have always been a strong believer in working across the partisan aisle to find common sense solutions, and I'm not afraid to embrace compromise, even if compromise seems out of style as a way to govern."

The program, which takes place on the Urbana-Champaign campus, is funded primarily by private individuals, organizations and companies interested in promoting competent and well-motivated leadership in Illinois.

"In the first two years of our effort," Edgar said, "we have seen emerging leaders reflecting the state's political, regional and ethnic diversity form friendships and bonds that will serve Illinois well when it comes to addressing major challenges. I fully expect the 2014 Fellows also will realize they have much more in common than they might have thought while they gain a greater understanding of different perspectives."

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement on the expansion of Amtrak service to Rockford:

"Getting Amtrak service back on track has been a priority for me since I've taken office. Many people have worked to bring us where we are today," Stadelman said. "I am excited to be part of the final push to make Amtrak service a reality. For too long, the Rockford community's needs were ignored. No longer. Our growing, vibrant city boasts tremendous transportation opportunities and the addition of passenger rail service to and from Chicago enhances the amenities our community needs."

Governor Pat Quinn announced a $223 million state capital investment that will create hundreds of jobs and restart Amtrak service between Rockford and Chicago beginning in 2015.

After two years of discussion, the state of Illinois has decided to switch to a new route, utilizing tracks owned by Metra and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The new northern route was chosen after lengthy negotiations with the Canadian National Railway, whose tracks were originally chosen for the service. Switching to the new tracks will ensure that service begins in 2015 and isn't held up by continued delays.

Senator Stadelman recently was honored as the 2013 Get to Know NAMI legislative award by the Northern Illinois Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. From NAMI Northern Illinois' Facebook page:

Congratulations to Senator Steve Stadelman who is the recipient of our 2013 Get to Know NAMI legislative award. Senator Stadelman earned this award when he and his staff continually step up to help members of our community who have had issues with mental health care. Thank you for all you do.

Last week, Stadelman passed legislation that would ensure the Rockford area would still have adequate mental health-care services after the closing of Singer Mental Health Center.

Senator Stadelman testified in support of Senate Bill 1859 during Wednesday's meeting of the Senate Executive Committee at the Capitol. The Rockford Register Star was there to cover it:

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, said it was time to move the proposal forward, even though all talks are ongoing to resolve labor leaders' outstanding concerns.

"I'm going to do everything I can to keep both parties negotiating and work through their issues while keeping this bill moving forward," Stadelman said.

SB 1859 passed the Executive Committee unanimously and will be considered by the full Senate next month.