News

ROCKFORD — To strengthen the workforce pipeline in the Rockford region and connect more local residents with good-paying careers in the construction and building trades, State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging community-based organizations in the 34^th District to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Rockford and the surrounding communities have a strong tradition of hard work, craftsmanship and opportunity, but we need to make sure local residents have the opportunity to be part of that future,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Pre-apprenticeship programs give people the skills, experience and support they need to enter the trades and build a career close to home. When we invest in our local workforce, we are investing in the strength and future of the entire Rockford region.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that a survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”

More than 62,000 petitions for orders of protection were filed in Illinois last year, underscoring the importance of ensuring these legal safeguards remain effective and enforceable.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for older adults and vulnerable individuals facing abuse, neglect and financial exploitation has been signed into law, providing courts with additional tools to intervene quickly and prevent further harm.

“Financial exploitation can be devastating, stripping vulnerable individuals of their savings, independence and security,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will give courts and law enforcement the ability to act swiftly when exploitation is suspected, helping protect victims and preserve their assets before irreversible damage occurs.”

The law creates a new mechanism to safeguard the assets of eligible adults who have been reported or found to be victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect. Stadelman emphasized the law is intended to improve responses to exploitation cases involving scammers who may communicate only through apps or other indirect methods.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced five organizations across the Rockford area are set to receive more than $1.2 million through the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program to support violence prevention, youth development, economic opportunity and other community-based services.

“Investing in the safety and success of our youth is one of the best ways to strengthen our communities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will help local organizations continue providing safe spaces, mentorship and opportunities that empower youth and set them up for leading brighter futures.”

More than $50 million was awarded to 147 organizations statewide through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority’s R3 program, which funds services in designated eligible R3 zones. R3 grants invest in organizations that support five core areas: community reentry, economic development, civil legal aid, violence prevention and youth development.