SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) has been appointed to serve on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission, a key organization that advocates for passenger rail expansion throughout the region.

"This is a great opportunity to continue advocating on behalf of one of my biggest priorities, bringing Amtrak to Rockford. Once it is completed, the new rail will be a tremendous boost to our economy, and I look forward to the resources and guidance this organization can provide to help get the job done," said Stadelman.

The commission, originally formed in 2000, is made up of state legislators and gubernatorial appointments from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Stadelman was chosen for the appointment by the Illinois Senate because of his continued commitment to expanding Amtrak to Rockford. The two-year appointment ends in January of 2017. Stadelman will join Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) as one of two newly appointed representatives from the Illinois Senate on the commission.

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Loves Park) joined with other legislators today to pass legislation that allows voters to decide who will fill an unexpected vacancy in a statewide position. Currently, openings are filled by an appointment by the sitting governor, with no say from voters.

"Voters in Illinois should have a say in who is representing them in Springfield. We need to allow the people, not politicians, to go to the polls to decide who is best for the job," said Stadelman.

Due to the unexpected passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, an emergency appointment was made to allow the duties of the office to be completed. Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner plans to appoint Leslie Munger to the position when he is sworn in next week. The legislation passed today would allow Munger to be appointed to a two-year term beginning immediately, and give the voters a chance to decide the next state comptroller during the general election in 2016. Normally, the comptroller would not be voted on until 2018, giving Munger a four-year term with no voter input.

Other state lawmakers have also proposed a constitutional amendment to merge the offices of state comptroller and treasurer to save taxpayer money. Stadelman supports this measure and hopes it can quickly advance when the new Senate is sworn in next week.

"For now, we must focus on allowing the voices of the voters to be heard. When the Senate reconvenes next week, merging the two offices and saving taxpayer money will be one of my top priorities," Stadelman said.

House Bill 4576 now heads to the House of Representatives.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has been named honorary chairman of a new event to increase scholarship funds for students at the Rockford Dance Company.

The public is invited to the first-ever "Lights & Tights" Dance Marathon from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, January 24 in Kresge Hall at the Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., in downtown Rockford. Money is being raised through pledges collected by participants at the USO-themed, swing-style dance party and through a $25 admission charge.

Stadelman, D-Rockford, joined RDC officials to announce the benefit during a holiday party December 26.

"I'm honored to have been asked to help launch what hopefully becomes a new tradition for an organization that has a proud, 40-year history in our community," Stadelman said. "As a longtime recreational basketball player and coach, I see very clearly the value of dance in character building and youth development that extends far beyond the stage just as those benefits extend off the courts."

Stadelman commended leadership of the nonprofit dance school and performance troupe for continuing its commitment to equal access to instruction regardless of a family's ability to pay. Eleven families with students enrolled in dance classes currently receive financial assistance.

"Dance should know no boundaries as an art form or an athletic discipline," he said. "I'm grateful for any part I can play in growing the number of students who receive dance scholarships in the future."

For more information on the Lights & Tights Dance Marathon, call 815-963-3341 or visit www.rockforddancecompany.com.

SPRINGFIELD – New legislation by State Senator Steve Stadelman to ease the pain for businesses and employees during tough economic times was signed this afternoon by Governor Pat Quinn.

Senate Bill 3530 changes how unemployment benefits are paid in Illinois, reducing layoffs and improving state finances. With the establishment of "work-share" benefits, employers that find themselves struggling in a weak economy can temporarily reduce hours – rather than lay off workers – and workers can collect partial unemployment compensation while staying on the job part time. In addition, the state saves money that would have been paid to laid-off workers drawing full benefits.

Quinn's signature before the end of 2014 makes Illinois eligible for $4 million from the federal government to pay startup costs for the program.

"The value of work-share cannot be over-emphasized," said Stadelman, D-Rockford. "Employees who otherwise face layoffs gain a sense of security and peace of mind, and businesses avoid the upheaval of letting skilled workers go and retraining new ones."

Known also as "short-time compensation," similar laws have been successfully implemented in 28 other states, including Iowa and Missouri. Under Stadelman's bill, Illinois now offers partial benefits when a business cuts hours among at least 10 percent of its staff and shares the remaining work among affected employees.

Stadelman received praise from business and labor organizations for bringing them together to help draft and earn bipartisan support for SB 3530.

"Illinois manufacturers appreciate Senator Stadelman's leadership in improving the unemployment system for both workers and business," said Mark Denzler, vice president and COO for the Illinois Manufacturers Association. "These reforms relax regulations while allowing for work-share programs that will reduce layoffs."

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Tim Drea called the legislation a "win-win" that in times of reduced employment lets workers keep job-related benefits and lets companies retain highly-skilled workers. "With all parties working closely with Senator Stadelman, this legislation was crafted to benefit taxpayers, workers and businesses."