A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman and State Representative Dave Vella has been signed into law by the governor, making civil no-contact orders permanent for sexual assault survivors whose assailants are criminally convicted.

“People who’ve been through a sexual assault will live with that trauma for the rest of their lives,” Stadelman said. “I believe Illinois can help ease their burdens by ensuring they do not have to relive their trauma by returning to court year after year.”

Currently, under Illinois state law, sexual assault survivors are forced to see their assailants in court every two years to renew their no-contact orders.

“These no-contact orders are based on convictions. Convictions don’t change over time,” Stadelman said. “A survivor should not have to risk their mental and emotional health by going to court every year.”

Stadelman worked on the measure with the City of Rockford’s Office of Domestic Violence Prevention and Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling. Similar protections are already in place in Illinois for stalking victims.

The law, originally House Bill 734, takes effect Jan. 1, 2022. Click on the image below to hear Senator Stadelman discuss the legislation during its approval process earlier this year:

Stadelman: Rockford to receive state funds to survey historic industrial sites

State Senator Steve Stadelman is pleased to share that the State Historic Preservation Office will award Rockford a $19,000 grant for a survey of historic industrial buildings.

“Honoring the places where Rockford’s industrial economy began helps us commemorate our past,” Stadelman said. “This grant gives the city the tools to survey and identify the historical importance of many of the old buildings that still exist within Rockford today.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently announced more than $131,400 in funding for local governments for nine historic preservation projects through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund. Rockford was selected for a comprehensive survey of historic industrial buildings built between 1850 and 1930. The city will receive $19,000 in Federal Historic Preservation Funds and provide $7,000 in matching funds toward the program.

Rockford has seen a significant amount of redevelopment, largely due to the River Edge Historic Tax Credit Program, which gives a state income-tax credit to the owners of historic structures equal to 25% of rehabilitation project costs. Examples of projects made possible by the program include Prairie Street Brewhouse and the Rockford Trust Buildingand Midtown Lofts.

“Taking a look back at the industrial start of Rockford and the many factories that called this city home allows us to recognize how they shaped the area,” Stadelman said. “These funds will help us identify the importance of many of these historic buildings and make preservation decisions for the future.”

Stadelman bill to spur construction spending signed into law

State Senator Steve Stadelman’s legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois has been signed into law by the governor. The new law took effect immediately and allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies

Up to $700 million in financing is possible as a result of the change.

“Funding construction projects allows us to invest in our infrastructure and workers at the same time,” Stadelman said. “This law will generate good-paying jobs throughout Illinois.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders. 

“Construction projects create new economic opportunities,” Stadelman said. “The construction industry plays a massive role in our state’s economy. It makes sense to allow the treasurer to invest in these infrastructure projects.”

Stadelman confers state honor on local therapy dog

State Senator Steve Stadelman this presented a State of Illinois Certificate of Recognition to "Miss Keanu" for work as a therapy dog that included being called to action by the Illinois National Guard to assist at the COVID-19 mass vaccination site in Rockford.

The 10-year-old Border Collie also serves as the official therapy dog for Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana, who joined Senator Stadelman in congratulating Keanu (KEY-new) and her owners Joe Love and Arles Hendershott Love at the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center.

Keanu's tour of duty with the Illinois National Guard at the former Kmart store on Sandy Hollow Road in Rockford earned her spot in the Alliance of Therapy Dogs magazine including a snapshot with two guardsmen.

"Everyone loved Keanu. She visited on numerous occasions, comforting 50 to 60 people each time and often leaving so tired we had to lift into our car," said Arles who with Joe adopted Keanu from an animal shelter.

Keanu's work for the sheriff mostly involves offering emotional support to 9-1-1 dispatchers who Arles calls the "unseen first responders" and who recounted how Keanu was on duty in 2019 when the End of Watch (EOW) call went out in the death of Illinois State Trooper Brook Jones-Story after she was struck by a semitrailer during a roadside stop along U.S. Route 20.

Pre-COVID, Keanu also provided therapy for medically fragile adults with physical and developmental disabilities who reside in specialized care provided by Milestone, a Rockford-based nonprofit organization. Keanu is one of only three Border Collies in the American Kennel Club to earn the highest rank of Therapy Dog. She's an AKC gold-medal winner, among her 40 titles.

"I must admit I hesitated in asking the Illinois Senate to issue special recognition to a four-legger," Stadelman said, "but Miss Keanu's record of volunteer service and the dedication of her owners really is exceptional. Keanu has brought comfort to many in times of stress, and the Loves deserve credit for sharing her with us."

Watch WIFR-Channel 23 news report.