SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that creates a commission to help make a statewide network of new and existing high-speed passenger rail lines a reality has been signed by the governor.

“Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state,” Stadelman said.

The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.

“Connecting Rockford to Chicago through rail has always been one of my top priories,” Stadelman said. “This investment in high speed rail networks will expand travel opportunities for the residents of Rockford and the entire state.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is happy to share that the State Historic Preservation Office will award Rockford a $19,000 grant for a survey of historic industrial buildings.

“Honoring the places where Rockford’s industrial economy began helps us commemorate our past,” Stadelman said. “This grant gives the city the tools to survey and identify the historical importance of many of the old buildings that still exist within Rockford today.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently announced more than $131,400 in funding for local governments for nine historic preservation projects through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.

Rockford was selected for a comprehensive survey of historic industrial buildings built between 1850 and 1930. The city will receive $19,000 in Federal Historic Preservation Funds and provide $7,000 in matching funds toward the program.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and State Representative Dave Vella was signed by the governor on Friday making civil no contact orders permanent for sexual assault survivors whose assailants are criminally convicted.

“People who’ve been through a sexual assault will live with that trauma for the rest of their lives,” Stadelman said. “I believe Illinois can help ease their burdens by ensuring they do not have to relive their trauma by returning to court year after year.”

Currently, under Illinois state law, sexual assault survivors are forced to see their assailants in court every two years to renew their no contact orders.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois was signed into law on Friday.

The legislation allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies. This change in the law would allow up to $700 million in financing.

“Funding construction projects allows us to invest in our infrastructure and workers at the same time,” Stadelman said. “This law will generate good-paying jobs throughout Illinois.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand, and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders.

“Construction projects create new economic opportunities,” Stadelman said. “The construction industry plays a massive role in our state’s economy. It makes sense to allow the treasurer to invest in these infrastructure projects.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 117, has been signed into law by the governor and is effective immediately.

###