State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve a balanced budget.

“Today, I voted to make sure that Rock Valley College’s doors stay open. I voted to make sure that roadwork in Rockford doesn’t grind to a halt. I voted to make sure that Rockford and Harlem schools open in the fall. Without a balanced budget, none of that would be possible. Today’s vote was not easy, but I am proud to have voted to restore certainty and stability to Rockford, Winnebago County and all of Illinois.”

Thousands of adults in Winnebago and Boone may get the chance to earn their high school diploma, thanks to legislation that passed the Illinois House.

The measure, sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) in the Senate, effectively eliminates the existing law prohibiting school districts from awarding high school diplomas to anyone over the age of 21.

“A high school diploma is nearly essential in today’s world, but not everyone is able to complete high school in the same amount of time,” Stadelman said. “These programs will give people a second chance and help them obtain job skills. And they benefit everyone, because a trained workforce is good for economic development in our communities.”

The legislation allows non-profit entities, including community colleges, to establish programs that can award high school diplomas to adult learners.

House Bill 2527 passed both chambers unanimously and heads to the governor’s desk for approval.

An extension of the River Edge Historic Preservation Tax Credit has passed both legislative houses and is headed to the governor for approval. State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) secured passage of legislation today that extends the River Edge Historic Preservation Tax Credit for four more years starting in January 2018.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) passed legislation in the Senate extending the credit through January 2022 earlier this month.

“The tax credit has already incentivized hundreds of millions of dollars of development in Rockford alone,” Stadelman said. “This will help put crumbling infrastructure back to use, grow the economy and increase revenue.”

The credit has been an important economic tool for the revitalization of downtown Rockford, and is equal to 25 percent of the rehabilitation costs for a business in a historic building. 

Previously, the tax credit was used to incentivize projects like the $12 million renovation at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, which also created 110 construction jobs. In addition to Rockford, the credit is also available in Aurora, Peoria, Elgin and East St. Louis.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) voted today for two measures imposing a two-year property tax freeze.

SB 482 freezes property taxes for two years for all units of local government except school districts. SB 484 is a two-year property tax freeze for all school districts, excluding districts that receive a financial hardship exemption. It also puts in place requirements for such an exemption.

“I know that the people of Illinois are suffering under the highest property tax rates in the country,” Stadelman said. “While a permanent tax freeze would be detrimental to the school districts that rely on the property tax, I am hopeful this freeze will provide some relief while making sure underserved school districts are not harmed.”

SB 482 passed the Senate 38-11-9 and SB 484 passed 37-11-9. Both are headed to the House for consideration.