ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman reacted today to the announcement that EDDR Foundation in Rockford would receive $440,000 in funding through the Illinois Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“The needs of the workforce remain a priority of mine, so I’m encouraged to see a second round of investment in the Rockford area,” Stadelman said (D-Rockford) in reference to EDDR earning a same-size grant in 2024. “The continuation of this program will increase access to good-paying jobs for underrepresented populations in our region.”

EDDR is among 39 organizations to receive $17 million in pre-apprenticeship grants statewide. Pre-apprenticeship grants are used to create a diverse pool of skilled candidates in construction and building trades and help them establish careers in the field.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman introduced a measure that would allow social media users to report fraudulent activity on their profile using a 24-hour hotline provided by the social media company, so that users have round-the-clock live support.

“While social media platforms provide a free, online space for people to connect and express themselves, the downside is our profiles are available for other users to  hack or imitate, making fraud protections incredibly vital," said Stadelman (D-Rockford).

Senate Bill 2823 would require social media companies to create a 24-hour toll-free phone number enabling account holders to contact a live customer service agent to report fraudulent account activity, including unauthorized access or profile hacking.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois hospitals must be transparent about patient fees included in their services come Jan. 1, thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Patients deserve timely notice of all costs and fees prior to any service they receive,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law requires Illinois hospitals to be more transparent and fair to patients by disclosing any extra fees upfront.”

Under the law, hospitals are required to inform patients whether they will be charged a facility fee for outpatient services, separate from a professional fee. Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman supported a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“Many retirees across Illinois who rely on fixed incomes cannot continue meeting the demands of rising property taxes,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation alleviates this struggle by making it more financially feasible for older adults to remain in their homes.”

Senate bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.