ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has announced that the popular Stroll on State festival in Rockford has received a $100,000 grant to improve and expand the event.

“Festivals bring people together and foster a sense of community,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will go a long way to ensure that all visitors of the holiday festival receive a magical experience.”

A total of $4.6 million was awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to local tourism organizations throughout the state to a total of 20 grantees – including Stroll on State.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is leading a measure to protect election workers from threats and harassment.

“Election workers are the backbone of our democracy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People working for elections should be able to perform their job without the threat of violence or harassment.”

Senate Bill 2932 would prohibit people from intimidating or threatening an election worker with the intent to interfere with their election-related duties. A person who violates these provisions would be guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of up to $1,000. According to the Brennan Center, nearly one in three election officials have been harassed, abused, or threatened because of their job.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced legislation to require driver’s education courses to include instruction on worker safety in highway construction zones.

“Ensuring the safety of both drivers and construction workers on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “By equipping our future drivers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate construction zones with caution and respect, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and tragedies.”

Senate Bill 3151 would require public school district driver education courses to include an instruction on worker safety in highway construction and maintenance zones.

The number of people who died in work zone crashes increased from 586 people in 2010 to 954 people in 2021, according to National Safety Council Injury Facts.

“By integrating this vital component into our educational curriculum, we can instill in our young drivers a heightened awareness of the potential hazards, and empower them to make safer decisions behind the wheel,” said Stadelman.

Senate Bill 3151 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking a significant step toward safeguarding consumers’ financial well-being by introducing legislation aimed at prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from including adverse information related to medical debt in credit reports.

“Medical debt should not serve as a barrier to financial stability and opportunity,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No one should have to endure the added stress of damaged credit due to medical expenses beyond their control. This legislation is about ensuring fairness and equity for consumers, regardless of their health status.”

Senate Bill 2933 would prohibit a consumer reporting agency from making a credit report containing any adverse information about the consumer related to medical debt.