Veterans receive certification for special driver's licenses at Stadelman event

About 40 military veterans obtained the certification required to receive Illinois drivers' licenses that note their service in the armed forces at a Veteran's Day event offered by State Senator Steve Stadelman. Under legislation passed by Stadelman in 2015, veterans who present a driver's license with the designation qualify for discounts on purchases at participating businesses. To receive a driver's license with "VETERAN" appearing below the signature line, veterans must present official certification of their military status when renewing their license or applying for a state ID.
 
Stadelman's certification event gave veterans an opportunity to avoid the delay of a mail application or a trip to the Illinois National Guard Armory in Machesney Park. Two state Veteran Service Officers -- Matthew Taylor and Jessica Parker -- issued the certifications, and veterans enjoyed coffee and cookies while they were being processed.

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Stadelman encourages early voting

On Sunday Senator Steve Stadelman encouraged community members to cast ballots early in the November 8 election for federal, state and local offices. "There are plenty of options this cycle," Stadelman said. "An extended grace period allows voters to register at early voting sites. And for the first time in Illinois history -- thanks to a bill passed by the General Assembly last summer -- voters can register and vote on Election Day."

Under same-day voter registration, which Stadelman supported in order to make it more convenient for people to vote and participate in our democracy, counties with more than 100,000 residents must allow Election Day registration.

2nd annual Stadelman event offers free health services for women

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Framing complete on Indoor Sports Center expansion

Construction workers and public officials including Senator Steve Stadelman gathered this week for a "topping off" ceremony at the Indoor Sports Center, where the last beam was lowered into place on a 133,000-square-foot expansion.

Stadelman passed legislation in his freshman year in the Illinois General Assembly in 2013 to provide a funding mechanism for $13 million in projects to help Rockford regain its dominance in the sports tourism market.

State funds help redesign dangerous Rockford road crossing

State Senator Steve Stadelman joined local officials to reopen the intersection of East State Street and Bell School Road this week.

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Twenty years and 40,000 dictionaries later, charity homage turns its last page

Senator Steve Stadelman and other organizers of the Sara Ingrassia-Jackie Confer Dictionary Fund distributed 2,000 dictionaries to third-graders in the Rockford Public Schools for the last time this week, marking the end of a 20-year program that paid tribute to its namesakes and sent a message to young learners about the importance of education.  ​

“It was an emotional morning, especially for the volunteers who have given their time and money to this effort since the beginning,” said Stadelman, a committee member since 2009. “The program has never relied on public funding of any kind, and private donations remained steady. But the rise of technology has made hardcover reference books less and less relevant in the lives of adults and children.”

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