SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly heard Gov. JB Pritzker’s first budget address today.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued the following statement:

“I think the governor’s proposed budget places our values at the forefront by increasing funding for education from kindergarten all the way through college. I am also pleased with the increased funding for public safety and child care assistance.

“This isn’t the final product. We still have over three months to work on balancing the budget. I am confident however, that this new governor will bring a new way of doing things that will be a breath of fresh air after years of political gridlock.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman voted to raise Illinois’ minimum wage for the first time since 2010 today.

Senator Stadelman issued the following statement after the vote:

“Workers in Illinois have waited too long for a raise. This measure will put more money into people’s pockets and will help working families. However, this is not the silver bullet solution. We must continue our work funding higher education, infrastructure improvements and human service programs that will help the Rockford community.”

“I am also proud of the payroll refund that this measure includes that will help small businesses and non-profits adjust to the higher wages.”

The measure now goes to the Illinois House of Representatives.

ROCKFORD – Washington Park on Rockford’s west side will see improvements thanks to a $250,000 grant the Rockford Park District is receiving from the state.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) says the improvements will help create jobs and improve the quality of life around the area.

“Maintaining safe and clean parks is a crucial step in improving our community’s quality of life,” Stadelman said. “I am glad the state sees the benefit of investing in our local park districts and I look forward to what the future has to offer.”

The grant comes as a part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program will provide more than $28 million to support 87 projects statewide, while two projects will be funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

 SPRINGFIELD – A bipartisan proposal championed by State Senators Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) to give counties that pass public safety sales tax referendums additional flexibility in directing use of new revenue generated by the tax was signed into law recently.  

The proposal, House Bill 5460, expands the “Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities or Transportation” to allow counties to use funding generated by the new tax to fund mental health and substance abuse services.

“Mental health and substance abuse are among the most overlooked issues facing our state, and they both directly impact our public safety,” Stadelman said. “This new law gives local governments another tool to tackle the challenges facing our communities.”

The Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities or Transportation was first created as a tax that county boards could levee if approved by local referendum. It can be only be used for purposes related to public safety, public facilities or transportation.

“This gives our local governments additional flexibility to combat drug abuse and effectively help those with mental issues,” said Senator Syverson. “This will enhance public safety and hopefully help many individuals who are currently falling through the cracks.”

The legislation was signed into law Friday, Jan. 4 and was effective upon signing.