SPRINGFIELD – Across Illinois, employers are looking to hire new workers, but a common refrain is that job applicants don't have the necessary skills to be hired. A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) aims to change that dynamic.

The measure, which passed the Senate today, would create a career and technical education incentive program for school districts if students complete technical training.

"In order to increase employment and economic development in Rockford and throughout Illinois, it's critical that we match employers with applicants who have the skills necessary for the job," Stadelman said. "This proposal makes it easier for students to gain valuable job training in sectors that are looking to hire people."

Under the proposed plan, the State Board of Education would identify industries in Illinois that face workforce shortages.

The school district would be eligible for a $1,000 grant for each student who successfully completes an industry-recognized certification program.

The grants would begin with the 2015-2016 school year.

The bill, SB 3033, passed the Senate and now moves to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the recent closing of Singer Mental Health facility, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is sponsoring a measure to make sure that the Rockford community would still receive sufficient mental health services.

"I felt we needed to make sure that the state is still providing adequate services to mental health patients in our community," Senator Stadelman said.

The proposal allows the state to use proceeds from the sale of closed facilities to fund mental health services in the area where the closed facility is located. This follows legislation passed last fall that could potentially put Singer Mental Health facility to new use and back on property tax rolls.

"This is the second key reform I have sponsored dealing with communities selling state facilities. Now, not only will areas be able to sell shuttered facilities, they can also use the proceeds to fund community-based care."

The measure, SB 822, passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now moves to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Today the Illinois State Senate passed a measure sponsored by Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to make grants for safety and security improvements to various public K-12 school districts and area vocation centers.

"This measure is needed to ensure that our K-12 schools are adequately prepared in the case of an emergency," Stadelman said. "Currently, IEMA is allowed to make safety grants to colleges and universities. This legislation allows them to issue the same grants to K-12 schools."

IEMA sought an amendment to clarify that grants can be issued to schools providing K-12 education and inter-district special education cooperatives.

Upon learning of this, Stadelman sponsored a measure to allow IEMA to issue safety grants to schools. Like the safety grants to institutions of higher education, the funding would come from the Illinois Bond Fund.

The measure passed the Senate with a vote of 55-0-0, it moves to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – After listening to the Illinois State Police outline $49.2 million in budget cuts they will be forced to make next year, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Loves Park) is concerned about the safety of Rockford-area residents. If no action is taken, the state police will be forced to lay off 450 troopers and potentially close the Rockford forensics lab.

"The forensics lab in Rockford is a great resource not only to our area, but to all of northern Illinois. It will be impossible to perform forensics tests, like analyzing rape kits, to ensure that we are able to put violent criminals away," Stadelman said.

Due to a massive budget shortfall of nearly $2 billion, all state agencies presented the likely results of 20 percent budget cuts during a Senate budget hearing. Lawmakers are searching to find answers, but Stadelman maintains that safety funding must be kept in place.