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.

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey in the Illinois Senate Revenue Committee to testify in support of extending the River Edge Historic Tax Credit. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the cost of the rehabilitation and can be utilized in Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford.

In Rockford, the existing tax credit has already created 110 construction jobs and led to the $12 million renovation of the Prairie Street Brewhouse.

“Thanks to this tax credit, we have already seen multi-million dollar investments create jobs and grow the tax revenue for our community. I’m fighting to extend this credit to promote additional investment and job growth in Rockford,” said Stadelman.

If the credit is not extended, the future of another major project, the Ziock Building rehabilitation, may become uncertain.

“The proposed plans to rehab the Ziock Building into a hotel and convention center would create new jobs and tax revenue for our community. The additional tourists the hotel could attract to visit our topnotch sports facilities and other amenities would create a tourism boom in Rockford’s economy,” said Morrissey.

Stadelman’s legislation will be brought to a vote in an upcoming Senate Committee.