A new law sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman and State Representative Dave Vella requires state agencies and institutions only purchase American and Illinois flags if they are manufactured in the United States.
“There’s no reason for us to be flying American and Illinois flags made in other countries,” Stadelman said. “This legislation rights a wrong while supporting local manufacturing and business economies at the same time.”
The legislation would change the Flag Display Act to no longer allow state institutions and agencies to purchase American and Illinois flags from manufacturers outside of the U.S.
“Purchasing flags is something that happens every year,” Stadelman said. “It doesn’t make sense to import flags when we can produce them locally and put Americans to work.”
Under the Flag Display Act, flags are designated to be necessary supplies for institution and agency budgets. The law, originally House Bill 605, has been signed by the governor and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.
Stadelman moves Illinois closer to high-speed rail network
A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman to form a commission to help make statewide high-speed passenger rail a reality has been signed by the governor.
"Connecting Rockford to Chicago through rail has always been one of my top priories,” Stadelman said. “This investment in a network of new and existing high speed rail lines will expand travel opportunities for the residents of Rockford and the entire state.”
Stadelman's legislation establishes the High-Speed Railway Commission to coordinate efforts between the state and organizations like the nonprofit High-Speed Rail Alliance, which has produced a plan to create a high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years.
The commission would also be tasked with producing an annual report for the General Assembly on potential plans for a high-speed rail line between Chicago and St. Louis, with connections to Rockford, Moline, Peoria and Decatur. The final goal is to modernize and integrate all train systems in Illinois into one connected high-speed rail network.
House Bill 399 was signed by the governor on Friday, and the new law takes effect immediately.
Stadelman promotes newest pandemic relief program
State Senator Steve Stadelman encourages small businesses to apply for Illinois' latest round of COVID-relief funds when the online application process opens August 18. Back2Business economic recovery grants of $5,000 to $150,000 can cover operational losses, staffing and more. The online application process, trackable in real time, promises to be faster and eaiser. Awards will be prioritized to support the communiteis hardest hit by the virus and industries most adversely impacted such as hotels, restaurants, fitness centers and performing arts venues. Go to Illinois.gov/dceo/B2B for more information.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman
August 8 at 5:19 PM
Enjoyed hanging out with generations of the Paulson family as they celebrated the state's designation of their family farm in Winnebago County as a Centennial Farm. To receive the honor, a line of descendants must own the property for at least 100 years. Congratulations! #paulsonfarm100
Steve Stadelman is with Douglas Benhoff
August 7 at 11:16 AM
Great to see the return of Rockford Festa Italiana this year! A summer night during the first weekend of August at Boylan High School is always a fun time! I also presented an Illinois Senate Proclamation congratulating the citizens of Rockford and Ferentino, Italy on the 15th anniversary of our sister city partnership.
August 10 at 2:42 PM
