SPRINGFIELD– Winnebago County's only domestic violence shelter today praised legislation passed by State Senator Steve Stadelman that helps victims escape abusive situations by giving them up to 60 days to pay initial deposits on gas, electric and water bills.

Under the law, deposits must still be paid but victims have more time to get their finances in order so they can move out. Many domestic violence victims are forced to stay in dangerous environments because they don’t have the resources to leave.

"This legislation is very beneficial for victims of domestic violence who are fleeing to safety," said Karen Gill, vice president of operations for Remedies Renewing Lives. "One of the biggest barriers for victims is setting all the pieces in motion, such as coming up with the money for utility deposits, to establish an independent residence."

Gill said Stadelman's legislation also helps shelters like Remedies, which has operated at or over capacity all summer. "The sooner we can transition a victim to her own living arrangement," she said, "the sooner we can offer a safe place to someone else in need."

“Giving victims additional time to get their financial affairs in order removes one of the largest hurdles for them moving out on their own. Hopefully now, these victims will be able to move to a safe place faster than ever before,” said Stadelman.

The new act, signed this week by Gov. Bruce Rauner, takes effect beginning January 1, 2016.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is expanding his free 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament to accommodate an anticipated 400 or more players – twice as many as competed in 2014 – with the continued goal of evolving into a large-scale, signature community event.

Registration is open until Sept. 2 to boys and girls in 3rd through 8th grades at www.senatorstadelmanhoopstars.eventbrite.com.

Stadelman said the HoopStars tournament again will take place at Davis Park immediate following the Labor Day parade, but the number of courts will increase from four to eight. The event also will feature expanded courtside activities as state agencies and local nonprofit groups that provide children and family services join event sponsors at information booths offering interactive displays and giveaways. Families attending the tournament also can enjoy music and kids rides at no charge, courtesy of Rockford United Labor, which holds its annual picnic for union members at the same time and place.

“I’m encouraged that interest in the tournament remains strong and grateful to the event partners whose generosity provides equipment, game officials, advertising, T-shirts, trophies and more,” said Stadelman, noting that AT&T signed on this year to help defray costs of the HoopStars expansion.

Stadelman emphasized that HoopStars’ primary purpose won’t change even as the youth tournament   moves toward becoming a premier amateur sports event in the spirit of Gus Macker, the adult basketball competition that for years took place on dozens of downtown streets.

“My reason for organizing this event is to give kids -- particularly those from low-income families and inner-city neighborhoods -- a positive, no-cost way to end the summer,” he said. “HoopStars is about the love of the game and kids having a ball.”

SPRINGFIELD–A proposal sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) to create a discount program for military veterans living in Illinois was signed into law earlier today. The program allows the nearly 722,000 Illinois veterans to receive discounts at participating businesses.

"We may never be able to fully repay our veterans for the sacrifices they have made, but this program is a small step to show our appreciation," said Stadelman.

 In July, the Secretary of State began offering drivers’ licenses that designate a veteran’s status. These licenses along with the Common Access Cards issued to active military members will be accepted at businesses that choose to participate in the program.

A similar program has been in place in Cook County since February of this year. Under Stadelman’s proposal, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be responsible for maintaining and promoting the program.

SPRINGFIELD–Children in foster care are some of the most vulnerable citizens in Illinois, placed through no fault of their own in difficult situations where their parents aren’t able to provide for them.

In Illinois alone, nearly 18,000 children are in foster care and too many receive less than ideal treatment. House Bill 3684, which was passed by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and signed into law today, looks to change that.  

Stadelman’s legislation creates the Foster Children’s Bill of Right, which provides certain guarantees for every child placed into a Department of Children and Family Services foster care program. These rights include freedom from abuse, a safe home and to adequate food and clothing.

“Too often, we hear about vulnerable foster children being abused or being forced to go without care for days at a time. I commend Governor Rauner for signing this legislation to ensure foster children in Illinois will have the right to a good home and adequate care,” said Stadelman.

Illinois will now join 15 other states that currently have a Foster Children Bill of Rights in place.