SPRINGFIELD – In 2023, instances of elder fraud cost victims over $3.4 billion, according to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report. With more seniors falling victim to financial exploitation, State Senator Steve Stadelman has been working on strengthening protections to safeguard older adults and their financial savings.

“Fewer than 5% of elder financial abuse victims recover their lost savings,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Allowing financial professionals the ability to pause suspicious transactions can be a big safeguard, protecting seniors and their life savings while concerns are being looked into.”

Senate Bill 1551 would allow financial advisors and other similar qualified individuals to delay transactions and disbursements from a person’s account if they suspect elder financial exploitation. It also would require them to report to the Illinois Department on Aging and Secretary of State’s securities department when they have reasonable belief that elder financial abuse has occurred.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $440,000 to help Rockford’s Education Design Development and Research Corporation create pathways to good-paying jobs in construction and expand opportunities in the skilled trades across the region.

“We are still experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “To fill these positions and give residents a chance at a good-paying job, it’s essential to support programs like Illinois Works.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for students to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In the 34^th District, EDDR will see a total of $440,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – Following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for journalists, State Senator Steve Stadelman successfully passed a measure out of the Senate that protects the rights of Illinois residents and the press to freely express their view in the media.

“Protecting the right to share opinions – whether it’s an individual or a news outlet – is essential to democracy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Free speech, especially in the media, ensures transparency and accountability, which is why we needed to pass this legislation.”

Senate Bill 1181 builds on existing law to ensure the Citizens Participation Act protects individuals and the press from lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them, regardless of the motive behind the lawsuit. A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is a legal tactic used to silence or intimidate critics by burdening them with costly and time-consuming litigation, often targeting individuals or organizations who speak out on issues of public interest.

SPRINGFIELD – With other states reporting a rise in drivers concealing or switching their license plates to avoid legal repercussions, State Senator Steve Stadelman moved a measure through the Senate that ensures Illinois law explicitly bans license plate flippers.

“Many drivers are using plate flippers to avoid tolls and police, evading the consequences of their actions on our roadways,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Banning flipper devices is a crucial step toward keeping our roads safe and holding drivers accountable.”

Senate Bill 1883 builds on current law, clarifying that the use of tape or flippers on any registration plate and any other evidence of registration issued by the Illinois Secretary of State is illegal. A license plate flipper is a device that allows drivers – with the push of a button – to obscure their license plates, often used to avoid identification when committing traffic violations. Illinois would join the expanding number of states in outlawing license plate flippers.

“Everyone needs to play by the same rules of the road,” said Stadelman. “This measure allows us to take a clear stand for public safety and responsible driving.

Senate Bill 1883 passed the Senate Wednesday.