Please join the Citizens Utility Board and State Sen. Steve Stadelman Friday January 21 for a utility bill workshop for tips on lowering your utility bills.

SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this week, Rock Valley Community College was forced to announce it will lay off 30 employees due to the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2029 that would have funded community colleges.  State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) supported the legislation when it passed the Senate in May.

“These cuts are a direct result of the governor and legislative leaders refusing to cooperate to come to an agreement to resolve the state budget impasse. Now, instead of celebrating the Christmas season, 30 Rockford-area families will be struggling to make ends meet when the new year begins.  

“With the cost of four-year higher education skyrocketing, community college should be an affordable alternative. Refusing to fund these programs makes it nearly impossible for many middle-class students to better themselves through higher education. There is no time left. The governor and legislative leaders need to come to an agreement now, before even more damage is done to our state,” said Stadelman.

Currently, because of Gov. Rauner’s vetoes, there is no state support for public colleges and universities in Illinois. There is also no state support for the student financial aid program known as MAP.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awarded State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) with the 2015 Legislator of the Year award recently. The award was given in large part due to legislation passed by Stadelman earlier this year that requires offenders with two or more DUIs and first-time offenders whose DUI resulted in death or great bodily harm to obtain an ignition interlock device.
 
“MADD graciously thanks Senator Stadelman for his commitment to end the devastating, completely preventable crime of drunk driving. Senator Stadelman has championed legislation that will save lives in Illinois and keep drunk drivers off the road. We look forward to continuing to work together toward the ultimate goal of No More Victims,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church.
 
Ignition interlock devices, similar to breathalyzers, test to ensure drivers are not impaired before getting behind the wheel. If alcohol is present in the drivers system, the vehicle will not start.
 
“MADD has done incredible work to save countless lives over the last 35 years. It was an honor to work with them to prevent drunk driving accidents in Illinois, and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future,” said Stadelman.
 
Stadelman’s proposal, Senate Bill 627, was signed into law by the governor in late August.

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) advanced legislation through the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee today that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to move into a safe environment. The proposal gives victims up to 60 days to pay their initial deposit on gas, electric and water bills.

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

“One of the top reasons domestic violence victims stay in these situations is because they can’t afford to leave. This legislation gives them additional time to get their finances in order to pay for some of their most basic needs, electricity and water. I hope this will encourage more victims to move to a safe environment,” said Stadelman.

The legislation passed committee unanimously, and now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.