Stadelman 'easy enrollment' health insurance option wins approval

Those without health insurance could receive information on available state coverage with a simple check of a box, thanks to a bill sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman that won Illinois Senate approval Friday.

“This change will allow many people without health insurance to obtain information on available state health insurance options that they may not have known existed,” Stadelman said. “Knowing your available options is the first step for many people to get covered, and it’s as easy as checking a box on a form.”

Stadelman worked with House sponsor Rep. Dave Vella of Rockford to pass the legislation. If signed by the governor, HB 5142 would establish a health insurance “easy enrollment” program by including a checkbox on Illinois income tax forms. Taxpayers who check the box requesting information on available health insurance options and prices would receive a letter from the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family describing available health insurance options. Printing and mailing of the enrollment information are the only state resources required, Stadelman noted. 

“Many people who are eligible for free or discounted health services don’t know that these options exist,” he said. “This measure would make those who check the box aware of the programs and insurance options they fit into based on their tax information, saving dollars and lives.”

Stadelman law to help active duty military transition to civilian workforce

To help service members who are transitioning from active duty to the workforce, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed legislation Thursday to designate the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs as the primary assistance agency under the U.S. SkillBridge Program that helps employers find skilled workers.

“We need to assist our military members in returning to the workforce and centralize the resources available to veterans,” Stadelman said. “By using this designation, veterans can find their benefits the same place they find job placement assistance and continue working and serving their community.”

Currently, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs refers veterans seeking employment assistance to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. House Bill 5385, if signed by the governor, would designate IDVA as the primary statewide assistance organization under the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program.

SkillBridge helps active duty members gain job experience and transition to civilian workforce by matching service members with opportunities at participating businesses where their skill sets match.

“Helping our veterans return to the workforce is key for helping them through life after service,” said Stadelman, who worked on the legislation with State Rep. Dave Vella of Rockford. “By placing the employment assistance with the same organization that helps them with benefits, we can ensure that veterans will find the assistance they need when reaching out to Veteran Affairs.”

$6.5 million West State Street rebuild begins

Construction work to widen West State Street (US Business Route 20) from two to four lanes between Independence Avenue and Day Avenue began this week. The project, which includes new storm sewers, signals, sidewalks and a multi-use path, represents a $6.5 million state investment in Rockford's economically disadvantaged west side, according to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

A detour will route traffic along Pierpont Avenue, Preston Street and Central Avenue until the project's anticipated completion date at the end of September.

During the next six years, IDOT plans to improve more than 3,535 miles of highway and 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is pumping $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Two include approximately $5.2 billion of upgrades statewide on 3,020 miles of highway and 270 bridges.
 

Four months ago, more than 500 people turned out for GreenTown Rockford to talk about what can be done locally and globally to address climate change. Last night, a smaller group gathered to review findings and begin to strategize how to turn that discussion into a political movement.