Stadelman effort to save local journalism signed into law
A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman to protect local journalism in Illinois’ small towns and mid-sized cities was signed into law by the governor this week.
“I’ve dedicated much of my life to journalism, so I understand the importance of having access to local news,” Stadelman said. “People deserve to know what’s going on in their community, regardless of where they live.”
Senate Bill 134, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, creates the Local Journalism Task Force, made up of 13 representatives of print and broadcast media, journalism schools and state and local government. They would be charged with conducting a study on communities underserved by local journalism and making recommendations on how to preserve and restore news coverage in these areas.
Declines in advertising revenue and circulation have meant that nearly half of the newsroom jobs at newspapers that existed in 2004 have since disappeared—and more than 2,000 papers around the country have closed over the past 15 years.
“Whether you live in Rockford, Rochelle, or Chicago, you need to know what’s going on in your community,” Stadelman said. “I hope to provide many journalists with new ideas to address the dwindling presence of the press throughout Illinois.”
The task force will be required to submit findings from its study to the governor’s office and the General Assembly no later than Jan. 1, 2023.
Stadelman announces local IDES reopens for in-person appointments
The Illinois Department of Employment Security will resume its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in Rockford, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week.
“Many working families have experienced real trouble due to the devastating social and economic impacts of COVID-19,” Stadelman said. “The restoration of in-person unemployment and workforce services will make their lives easier and help them return to work.”
For in-person assistance at 303 N. Main St. in Rockford, call the IDES scheduling hotline at 217-558-0401 to request an appointment. Appointments may be scheduled from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m Monday to Friday for the following reasons:
- Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
- Assistance registering with IllinoisJobLink.com
- Assistance documenting work search activities
- Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
- Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources
People are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply for benefits, enroll in direct deposits, change passwords, engage in work searches and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. They can also continue to receive help from an IDES expert over the phone by requesting a callback at 800-244-5631.
New law requires students to learn consequences of sexting
Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman has been signed by the governor, requiring Illinois public schools that offer sex education curricula to include a lesson about the risks of sexting. Those schools must revise their current curricula to include an age-appropriate lesson on sexting and its potential consequences.
“Technology has grown a lot in the last decade, and our education needs to adapt as well,” Stadelman said. “Students should know about the realities of what may seem like a harmless act,” Stadelman said. “We can’t expect kids to know the importance and dangers of sharing sexually explicit images.”
State Representative Maurice West of Rockford introduced the bill in the Illinois House of Representatives. The law took effect immediately.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Yesterday at 12:33 PM
Thank you to Rockford Public Library for the opportunity to be the guest reader for Wednesday Storytime at the historic Montague branch. We enjoyed a few children's books, including "Grace for President," followed by a pizza party with cheese and pepperoni pies from Luichi's right next door. Montague is a terrific neighborhood asset, and I look forward to visiting again soon!
Steve Stadelman
August 22 at 12:24 PM
Motorcyclists spread the word about suicide awareness. A local group called the Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation - Each Breath of Faith organized the eighth annual ride which ended with an event at Kegel Harley-Davidson. The group was established by Xavier Whitford whose 19-year-old son died by suicide in 2014. Fact: 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness.
