Stadelman measure requires more transparency in health care fees

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Patients deserve to know ahead of time if any extra fees will be added onto their bill,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals need to take responsibility and inform their patients of all applicable fees at any of their facilities.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

Read more …

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - April 25, 2025

Stadelman: $2 million in state funding 'builds on momentum' in Rockford's downtown

State Senator Steve Stadelman hailed this week's award of $2 million for streetscape improvements on Madison Street in Rockford, saying the state funding "builds on the momentum that has transformed downtown Rockford over more than two decades." The grant is part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas and accelerate local economic initiatives across the state.
"The upgrades that will occur on Madison Street are another key piece in the steady evolution of downtown Rockford into a thriving entertainment, retail and residential district," Stadelman said. "The vitality of Rockford's downtown has a direct impact on the growth of the regional economy.

IDOT begins $3.9 million Springfield Avenue bridge replacement

The bridge that carries Springfield Avenue over the North Fork of Kent Creek in Rockford is scheduled to be closed until the end of November while the Illinois Department of Transportation works to replace the structure between Safford Road and Kilburn Avenue.
Access to Anna Page Park will remain open, but trails that run underneath Springfield Avenue will be closed. A posted detour will direct traffic to use Auburn Street, Central Avenue and Kilburn. View area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Read more …

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - April 18, 2025

New fire station now operational in Machesney Park

Rather than a ribbon-cutting, North Park Fire Protection District held a "hose uncoupling" Thursday to celebrate completion of its new fire station on Harlem Road, which replaces three old stations from the 1950s and 1960s that were too small house modern firefighting equipment and that became poorly located as district boundaries changed over the decades.
Senator Stadelman designated $50,000 in state funding to help pay construction costs.

$440,000 in state funds enroute to Rockford for job training: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman announced the release of $440,000 in state funds to help create pathways to good-paying jobs in construction and expand opportunities in the skilled trades in the Rockford area.
Education Design Development and Research Corp. is receiving an Illinois Works grant to provide pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships to local students, opening the door for them to build lifelong careers in the construction trades.

“We are still experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers,” Stadelman said this week. “To fill these positions and give residents a chance at a good-paying job, programs like Illinois Works are essential.”

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.

Read more …

Stadelman announces over $28,000 to support local school libraries

ROCKFORD – Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, two school districts in Stadelman’s district have secured grants to support student learning.

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in learning,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding helps libraries stay up-to-date with trends to ensure accessibility for all our students.”  

In Stadelman’s district, the Belvidere School District was awarded $6,302 and the Rockford School District was awarded $21,904. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

Read more …