Stadelman measure ensures local tax revenue is spent on mental health and substance abuse funding

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate has passed legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would ensure local sales tax revenue approved by Winnebago county voters is used for mental health and substance abuse resources.

“The voters spoke. They said they want this money to go to mental health and substance abuse treatment. I want to make sure it does,” Stadelman said.

In March of 2020, the residents of Winnebago County passed a referendum that increased the county’s sales tax rate. The additional revenue from the increase is meant to go to community-based mental health and substance abuse resources and support. This legislation requires counties that have approved this sales tax referendum to create seven-member boards made up of health advocates and professionals to help administer the funding produced by the referendum, as the taxpayers intended.

The county expects to see up to $14 million in additional revenue a year for these programs.

“This legislation eliminates barriers to mental health and substance abuse treatment by supporting private sector and non-profit alternatives to handling these public health crises. It does so by creating a greater number of access points to treatment. It allows counties to gap-fill specific services and shape mental health and substance abuse treatment according to the needs of the community, rather than through an arbitrary statewide mandate that will help the communities most in need,” said David Gill, President of NAMI Northern Illinois.

Senate Bill 2278 passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 56-0 and now heads to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.

Stadelman highlights Work Zone Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD – In efforts to raise awareness and honor those      who have died in work zones across Illinois, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Work Zone Awareness Week.

Bridges and buildings throughout the state will be turning orange      this week to honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness as the Illinois Department of Transportation signals the start of another construction season.

“If you’re driving over the Morgan Street Bridge at night and notice the orange lights, take a moment to recognize all of the Illinoisans we’ve lost to work zone construction accidents,” Stadelman said. “I’m grateful that the city of Rockford is participating in this      statewide effort.”

Rockford’s Morgan Street Bridge is one of the participants that will be turning their lights orange at night.

In 2019, 842 people were killed and 39,100 injured in work zone crashes. Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. More than 9 out of 10 deaths are someone other than a worker, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Visit IDOT’s Work Zone page for more information.

Stadelman honors Rockford-area Illinois State Scholars

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) recently honored 121 Rockford-area high school students who      were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the      student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“I’m thrilled for and proud of these Rockford area students for earning this award,” Stadelman said. “Not only have these students performed exceptionally well, they did so during a global pandemic.”

The scholars from the Rockford area include students from six area high schools, including Auburn Senior, Boylan Catholic, Harlem Senior, Jefferson, Rockford Guilford and Rockford Lutheran High schools.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“University and college admissions processes are never easy, one applying for scholarships and financial assistance is competitive,” Stadelman said. “This award can help these students during these processes. Helping them attend the college that’s right for them.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.

Stadelman measure to address blighted properties passes senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would help cities and counties address blighted properties passed the State Senate on Friday.

“Blighted properties don’t just affect the lots next door. They can bring down the property value of an entire block,” Stadelman said. “Giving our local governments the ability to combat this issue is how we begin to revitalize our neighborhoods.”

• The measure would reduce abandoned and neglected homes by helping municipalities intervene earlier through the court system to save these properties.

• It allows municipalities and counties to partner with land banks to maintain and manage vacant buildings so they can be saved.

• The measure would help people stay in their homes by reducing the cap on interest rates on unpaid property taxes.

“Sen. Stadelman recognizes the impact that blighted properties have in Rockford, and I appreciate all of his work in Springfield to help mitigate this issue,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “Blighted properties decrease home values, drive away investment, and are havens for criminal activity. This bill makes it easier for municipalities to intercept dilapidated properties before they are beyond repair so that they can be rehabilitated and placed back on the tax rolls. My administration has taken aggressive action to strengthen our neighborhoods, and this bill we be a tremendous tool that can help the city in this work.”

“In most cases, local governments are responsible for maintaining or demolishing these deteriorating properties,” Stadelman said. “This measure provides solutions that will help our local governments better address these issues and begin restoring our communities.”

Senate Bill 1721 passed the Illinois Senate with a vote of 50-4 and now heads to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.