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.