SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Patients deserve to know ahead of time if any extra fees will be added onto their bill,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals need to take responsibility and inform their patients of all applicable fees at any of their facilities.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

ROCKFORD – Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, two school districts in Stadelman’s district have secured grants to support student learning.

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in learning,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding helps libraries stay up-to-date with trends to ensure accessibility for all our students.”  

In Stadelman’s district, the Belvidere School District was awarded $6,302 and the Rockford School District was awarded $21,904. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

SPRINGFIELD – In 2023, instances of elder fraud cost victims over $3.4 billion, according to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report. With more seniors falling victim to financial exploitation, State Senator Steve Stadelman has been working on strengthening protections to safeguard older adults and their financial savings.

“Fewer than 5% of elder financial abuse victims recover their lost savings,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Allowing financial professionals the ability to pause suspicious transactions can be a big safeguard, protecting seniors and their life savings while concerns are being looked into.”

Senate Bill 1551 would allow financial advisors and other similar qualified individuals to delay transactions and disbursements from a person’s account if they suspect elder financial exploitation. It also would require them to report to the Illinois Department on Aging and Secretary of State’s securities department when they have reasonable belief that elder financial abuse has occurred.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $440,000 to help Rockford’s Education Design Development and Research Corporation create pathways to good-paying jobs in construction and expand opportunities in the skilled trades across the region.

“We are still experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “To fill these positions and give residents a chance at a good-paying job, it’s essential to support programs like Illinois Works.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for students to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In the 34^th District, EDDR will see a total of $440,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.