SPRINGFIELD – When survivors of abuse or domestic violence are in need of a protective order, they often hesitate due to the agonizing trauma it stirs up, or worse, out of fear of being stopped by their abuser. To give survivors a safer, more comfortable way to file for a protective order, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is leading a measure to allow people to request such documentation through virtual means.

“Survivors of abuse and domestic violence often face much grief and trauma about their situation – regardless of how much time has passed,” Stadelman said. “Having to face someone and talk about what they’ve gone through can be extremely difficult – bringing that trauma to the forefront of their mind. By allowing people to file for orders of protection at home, survivors will feel safer and more comfortable.”

 Stadelman’s measure would give people the option to file a protective order by email or online, in addition to in-person. The measure would also require any court in a county with a population above 250,000 to offer the option of a remote hearing to the petitioner for a protective order. Both the petitioner and the respondent would be allowed to appear for related hearings remotely or in-person.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“As our communities, working families and small businesses continue to face grave financial struggles brought forth by the ongoing pandemic, it is vital we provide them with tax relief. This budget does just that — by ensuring families are taken care of, while continuing to fully fund our K-12 education system and other important items to help our state thrive.”

“This budget is a great first step, and I look forward to ongoing negotiations in the weeks to come.”

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ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Illinois Gaming Board voted 4-0 to approve 815 Entertainment and Hard Rock for a permanent casino in Rockford.

“This is a day many in the Rockford area have been waiting for since the legislature approved an expansion of casino licenses two years ago,” Stadelman said. “As we’ve seen with the recently opened temporary casino, the new Hard Rock casino will create more tourism and economic development in the area.”

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ROCKFORD – Several local businesses in and around Rockford were recently awarded $1.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford).

“The pandemic has caused businesses around the state to struggle over the last two years, especially our local and small businesses,” Stadelman said. “These grants give meaningful assistance to Rockford businesses that have worked tirelessly to remain on their feet as we continue our recovery from the pandemic.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Stadelman – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Sen. Stadelman represents, 36 businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to help them cover the costs of safely remaining open during these unpredictable times. Businesses range from restaurants to museums, hotels and more.