State Senator Steve Stadelman joined domestic violence prevention advocates this week to celebrate the recent signing of a law he championed to protect and empower survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
“The burden of trauma and abuse can weigh heavily on the lives of victims coping with their grief, and this law can help them take the first steps towards healing,” Stadelman said. “We are empowering survivors by giving them the choice to file for protective orders in the comfort and safety of their own home. By doing this, we are giving them the chance to move forward at their own pace.”
Stadelman’s measure, Public Act 102-0853, gives people the option to file a protective order either online or in-person. The law also requires any court in a county with a population above 250,000 to offer the option of a remote hearing to the petitioner for a protective order. It allows both the petitioner and the respondent to appear for related hearings remotely or in-person – and the courts would also have the discretion to grant or deny the request for a remote hearing.
Any and all types of protective orders are covered under this law.
Senator Stadelman at a news conference at Rockford City Hall with Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Director of the Office of Domestic and Community Violence.
______
State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week that nearly $1 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds is headed to the Coronado Performing Arts Center to repair the nearly 95-year-old landmark's facade and supporting onging preservation efforts there. Another $200,000 in state capital funds has been designated by Stadelman to support ongoing preservation of the Coronado.
"The restoration of the Coronado was an early catalyst in the revival of downtown Rockford that has occurred over the last two decades and that is essential to our economic growth as a region," Stadelman said. "Public affection for the Coronado drove its successful rebirth at the turn of the 21st century, and I believe strongly in protecting that investment."
According to Stadelman, the $720,264 for the Coronado facade is among $50.7 million in new infrastructure grants to 34 communities across Illinois. He secured the additional $200,000 to advance the venue's ongoing preservation efforts, funds that will be released sometime after the state's new fiscal year starts July 1.
Mary Ann Smith, President Emerita of Friends of the Coronado, thanked Stadelman at a news conference this week and addressed the importance of the facade project. Nearly a century of exposure to Midwestern weather elements has resulted in water infiltration behind the Coronado's cast stone exterior that, she said, will be secured and restored with the same high level of historic integrity that has earned the Coronado -- once known as Rockford's "Wonder Theater" -- national acclaim for architectural preservation.
Through the Stadelman-backed Rebuild Illinois program, the state also investing $1,480,730 in Loves Park for water main extension projects.
Under Rebuild Illinois, $1.5 billion is en route over the next three years to municipalities, townships and counties statewide for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term infrastructure needs.
A full list of Rebuild Illinois projects can be found by visiting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.
______
I was honored to speak at Rockford's annual Memorial Day ceremony to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Nice turnouts for the parade and Sinking of the Ship ceremony as well.
Check out the Welcome Spring Festival 2022 in Belvidere the rest of this holiday weekend! (Parking lot of Fiesta Market). Thanks to the Boone County Latino Business Council for organizing!
Page 94 of 167