SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve the affordability of preventive health care, State Senator Steve Stadelman is sponsoring legislation to eliminate certain fees.

“There’s no reason for hospital-owned health facilities to charge extra fees, especially if it’s a greedy facility fee,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Health care is already expensive enough as is, and we have a responsibility to make it more affordable for Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2182 would make it illegal for a health care facility to charge a facility fee for preventive services provided to a patient at any associated clinic. A facility fee is a charge imposed by hospitals and health facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, separate from the fees charged by doctors or other health care providers.

“Patients don’t deserve unexpected costs when they seek routine health care,” said Stadelman. “We need to put patients over profit, especially when it’s preventive health care.”

Senate Bill 2182 awaits to be assigned to a Senate committee.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking action to protect consumers and promote transparency in the ticket sales industry.

“There are many people who have been misled by the terms and conditions of buying a ticket online, often leading to extra fees,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “All consumers deserve to know upfront the conditions and final price of their tickets. This measure will give consumers peace of mind before making a final purchasing decision.”

Speculative ticket listing refers to when sellers list tickets for events that they do not possess in the hope of acquiring them later at a lower price. This often leads to inflated ticket prices and leaves customers vulnerable to price gouging.

Senate Bill 2015 would ban the practice of speculative event ticketing where unofficial sellers list tickets for sale even though they do not actually possess the ticket. Additionally, the bill would regulate the sale of event tickets, requiring sellers to disclose the total price of event tickets upfront, including all fees and charges, to ensure transparency and prevent hidden costs.

“We have allowed the lack of transparency and accountability from these sellers for too long,” said Stadelman. “It’s time we put a stop to these deceptive practices and increase protections for consumers looking to buy event tickets.”

Senate Bill 2015 has been assigned to the Senate Subcommittee on Special Issues.

SPRINGFIELD – In an attempt to help fill vacant state job positions, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to diversify the state workforce and improve hiring outcomes that would open the door for more job opportunities for people across Illinois.

“State agencies are struggling to fill open job positions,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “There are many positions that do not necessarily need a college degree, so this measure ensures we are focused on skills and experience, rather than adding an educational barrier.”

Senate Bill 1884 would prohibit Illinois state agencies from requiring applicants to have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for hire. The requirement does not apply if the knowledge, skills or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained through a course of study in pursuit of a bachelor’s or other advanced degree.

The bill is also an effort to boost workforce equity by expanding access to good-paying jobs for working families and other communities who have been previously underrepresented in state government careers. Sixteen other states have taken legislative or executive action to eliminate degree requirements for state jobs.

“Just because someone doesn’t have a college education doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be considered for state positions they otherwise qualify for,” said Stadelman. “This is a simple way we can fill open state positions and give many Illinoisans the chance to have a stable job.”

Senate Bill 1884 has been assigned to the Senate State Government Committee.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the governor’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget address on Wednesday:

“We must pass a balanced budget this year that continues to set Illinois up for success. The governor’s proposal is a good starting point from which we can further develop into a solid budget that upholds our state’s priorities.

“I’m pleased to see the continued investments in education at all levels. Our students deserve access to quality resources and educational attainment. The $350 million increase for evidence-based funding in K-12 schools and the MAP grant increases for public higher education institutions continue to show Illinois’ commitment to bettering our educational system.

“I’m really excited to hear about the new program that aims to address vacant state properties like the former Singer Mental Health Center in Rockford. This land has been empty for years and the new Surplus to Success initiative would allow for the remediation of the site, in turn, creating more economic opportunity and development in the region.

“The state has seen many credit upgrades as a result of more responsible budgetary in recent years, and my hope is we can build this year’s budget on the foundation of the fiscally responsible decisions we have made before.

“People are counting on us to make common sense decisions in Springfield, and as budget negotiations go on, I’m going to advocate for smart spending so we can get to a place where the budget is fiscally sound, helps our economy and represents our needs."