SPRINGFIELD – After listening to the Illinois State Police outline $49.2 million in budget cuts they will be forced to make next year, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Loves Park) is concerned about the safety of Rockford-area residents. If no action is taken, the state police will be forced to lay off 450 troopers and potentially close the Rockford forensics lab.

"The forensics lab in Rockford is a great resource not only to our area, but to all of northern Illinois. It will be impossible to perform forensics tests, like analyzing rape kits, to ensure that we are able to put violent criminals away," Stadelman said.

Due to a massive budget shortfall of nearly $2 billion, all state agencies presented the likely results of 20 percent budget cuts during a Senate budget hearing. Lawmakers are searching to find answers, but Stadelman maintains that safety funding must be kept in place.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced a bill that would change how unemployment benefits are paid, reduce layoffs and save the state money.

If passed, Senate Bill 3530 would provide for "shared-work benefits" in Illinois. Under work-share legislation, businesses that find themselves struggling in a weak economy could temporarily reduce hours -- rather than lay off workers – and the workers could collect reduced unemployment benefits while staying on the job part time.

"Chrysler's layoff of 325 workers at the Belvidere Assembly Plant just last week suggests our economic recovery is still fragile," said Stadelman, D-Loves Park.

"Work-share legislation is a triple-win," he said. "Businesses get to keep already-trained employees on staff, and employees get to keep their jobs while collecting partial benefits until they return to work full time. The state wins, too, by saving money that would have been paid to laid-off workers drawing full benefits."

Similar programs, also known as "short-time compensation," have been successfully implemented in 17 other states including Iowa and Missouri.

Under Stadelman's proposal, Illinois would offer partial benefits when an employer cuts hours among at least 10 percent of its staff and shares the remaining work among affected employees.

"The value of work-share plans cannot be over-emphasized," Stadelman said. "Employees who otherwise face layoffs gain a sense of security and peace of mind, and businesses avoid the upheaval of letting skilled workers go and retraining new ones."

ROCKFORD – Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Loves Park) along with the Citizens Utility Board is sponsoring an event where consumers can learn more about their options from reducing their gas, electric and landline telephone bills.

"Because of this winter's subzero temperatures citizens, have been hit with a combination of higher usage and higher rates for utilities," Stadelman said. "Since October, prices per unit have gone up from 39 cents to 51 cents for consumers. This event offers an opportunity to learn about all the options available to them."

The event will feature one-on-one analysis from CUB experts on gas, electric and landline phone bills, information on spotting billing errors and incentives designed to help people improve energy efficiency.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Zeke Giorgi Center. Register by calling Senator Stadelman's office at (815) 987-7557.

ROCKFORD– Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Loves Park) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) are partnering to sponsor several Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) events.

"Figuring out how to pay for college can be an especially daunting task for prospective students," Stadelman said. "These events are a great opportunity for families to learn about all the financial aid available to them."

February 4, 2014: RPS FAFSA Completion Night at Guilford High School – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

February 5, 2014: RPS FAFSA Completion Night at Auburn High School – 6:00pm to 7:30pm

February 12, 2014: FAFSA Completion Night - Rock Valley College – Student Center – 6:00pm

February 19, 2014: RPS FAFSA Completion Night at East High School – 6:30pm – 8:00pm

February 27, 2014: RPS FAFSA Completion Night at Jefferson High School – 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Items to bring:

• Social Security number
• Photo ID
• All wage forms (W-2 forms, unemployment)
• Information about assets such as savings, stock options, bonds, 529 plans and other investments
• Property tax bill
• College expenses
• Dates of birth, including month, day and year
• Month and year of marriage, separation, or divorce
• Alien Registration number if you (student) are not a U.S. citizen
• Information for direct deposit