Stadelman applauds RVC for investing in underserved area with new downtown campus

State Senator Steve Stadelman helped Rock Valley College break ground yesterday on its new Downtown West Campus. Expected to open in August 2026, the $52 million campus at 711 Green St. will be home to the college's adult and early childhood education programs and offer instruction in criminal justice, human services, truck driving and automotive technology, including e-vehicle and collision repair.

"I'm excited Rock Valley will have a major presence on downtown's west side," Stadelman said. "The new campus will focus on serving non-traditional students and adult learners, providing them with career opportunities and businesses with trained workers."

RVC has previously had a more limited presence downtown with classes in Stewart Square and the Rockford Register Star News Tower, currently being redeveloped by Iconic Energy.

Stadelman fights to save older adults from financial scams

State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to prevent Illinois' most vulnerable adults from being taken advantage of financially through legislation that would require investment advisors to report when they have a reasonable belief an older adult has been the victim of financial exploitation.
“We have seen increased cases of financial exploitation recently, especially in older adults,” Stadelman said. “It’s our duty to protect these vulnerable adults, and prioritizing legislation that empowers financial professionals to step in and defend against exploitation is a good first step.”
Senate Bill 1551 would require investment advisors and similarly employed individuals to report if they suspect financial exploitation of an older adult. The legislation also would allow advisors to delay disbursements from a person’s account if they have suspect elder financial exploitation.
Stadelman's bill is based on a model act from the North American Securities Administration Association. According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, the average amount lost by victims was $33,915 with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion.
“Financial advisors have the chance to prevent further financial harm to individuals and families if they are mandated to report suspicious activity,” Stadelman said. “It’s my hope this measure will further protect senior consumers and crack down on financial exploitation.”

Stadelman bill would strengthen free press in Illinois 

In response to an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakens protections for journalists, State Senator Steve Stadelman is hoping to safeguard the rights of Illinoisans and news outlets to express their opinions in the news media.

“This legislation is needed to protect people who report the news and the valuable service they provide on a daily basis,” Stadelman said. “We need to stand up for free press and speech in Illinois."

Senate Bill 1181 builds on existing law by ensuring the existing Citizens Participation Act shields not only individuals and but also the working press from lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them, known as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation or SLAPP.  In its ruling late last year, the state's Supreme Court ruled that Illinois' anit-SLAPP law does not apply to media outlets or journalists.

SLAPP is a legal tactic used to silence or intimidate critics by burdening them with costly and time-consuming litigation, often targeting individuals or organizations who speak out on issues of public interest.

Illinois could become 1st state to require 3rd-party hotel booking disclosures under Stadelman bill

To protect consumers from unexpected fees and incorrect bookings with third-party services, State Senator Steve Stadelman is proposing legislation to improve transparency from these providers.

“Many individuals easily fall victim to deceptive booking practices through third-party services, especially in the hotel and lodging industry,” Stadelman said. “People are losing their money because of these services, and it will only continue if we do not take action and require them to provide mandatory disclosures to consumers.”

Senate Bill 2013 would make it illegal for third-party booking services to facilitate the reservation of a hotel room without disclosing to consumers that they are not affiliated with the hotel and that the consumer is not making a reservation with the hotel directly.

The problem with third-party services, according to Stadelman, is they often result in unexpected fees, increased prices and incorrect bookings. If passed, Illinois would become the first state to require these mandatory disclosures.

“People deserve transparency,” Stadelman said, “and Illinois is stepping up to reduce scams and protect consumers.”

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
March 27 at 3:44 PM

Discovery Center Admission is Only $5.29, Thanks to Illinois' Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan!
On Saturday, April 5, visit Discovery Center Museum for a reduced-price day sponsored by Bright Start 529, an Illinois 529 college savings plan. The first 400 children can take part in the Bright Start 529 “Little Savers Crafting Workshop” to decorate and take home their very own piggy bank, and parents can speak directly with the Bright Start 529 team to learn how a 529 account can help reach your family's college savings goals.