Senate budget deal in progress; Stadelman reacts to State of the State address

Efforts continue in the Illinois Senate’s to craft a bipartisan compromise and break the two-year budget stalemate that has crippled state finances and economic growth. Newspapers throughout Illinois are heralding negotiations between Senate President John Cullerton, a Democrat, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, a Republican, as a potential breakthrough in a historic budget standoff that otherwise appears to have no end in sight.

The deal could be voted on when lawmakers return to Springfield the week of Feb. 7. Among its components are property tax relief, local government consolidation, procurement reform, workers compensation reform, school funding reform and gaming expansion.

Even Governor Bruce Rauner, in his 2017 budget address this week, praised the Senate for taking the lead in forging an agreement.

“I appreciate the governor’s acknowledgement," Stadelman said. "However, weeks after state funding ended for higher education and services for our most vulnerable citizens, the governor once again failed to lay out his own plan to address the two-year budget impasse. Compromise is difficult and takes time, but I look forward to continuing to work in the Senate toward a negotiated, bipartisan and long overdue spending plan.”

Stadelman offers utility bill clinic this week

State Senator Steve Stadelman has invited experts from the Citizens Utility Board to conduct a free clinic where local consumers can learn ways to reduce their gas, electric and landline telephone bills. The clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 State St., Rockford.

CUB advisors will offer one-on-one analysis of gas, electric and landline phone bills, information on spotting billing errors and incentives designed to help people improve energy efficiency.

“Utility costs always take a bite out of people’s wallets in the dead of winter, when people are also faced with holiday bills coming due,” Stadelman said. “This workshop offers a chance to learn about all the cost-savings options that are available."

Consumers are encouraged to call or email to secure an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Refreshments will be provided. To register for the clinic, please call Adjua Goosby at 312-263-4282 ext. 111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. using the subject line: Rockford 1/31.

Stadelman: Jet repair business promises to rev up local economy

Senator Steve Stadelman emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and
intergovernmental cooperation this week at the ribbon-cutting for the AAR Corp. jet repair facility
at Chicago-Rockford International Airport.

The 200,000-square-foot hangar is expected to employ 150 mechanics by summer and 500
workers overall with as many as 1,000 jobs when fully operational. Federal, state and local
governments are contributing to the $40 million cost of the project.

"We cannot underestimate the value of the either the short-term construction jobs or the quality
long-term employment opportunities AAR has brought and will continue to bring to the Rockford
area," Stadelman said. "The facility also enhances the power of the airport as an economic
engine for our community."

Stadelman bill to ease former inmate transition becomes law
Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed into law a proposal to require the Department of Corrections
to issue an ID card that is valid for 90 days when an individual is released from incarceration.
Steve Stadelman was a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 3368, passed the General Assembly recently
during veto session.
 
Under the current process, inmates must request a 30-day ID through the DOC and later apply
for a standard state ID through the Secretary of State. Inmates who have been released often
struggle to obtain their standard state IDs due to a failure to obtain proof of identity, lack of
funds to pay for the ID or other clerical issues. Failing to have a state ID can make it significantly
harder to reintegrate back into society.
 
“These inmates have already served their time," Stadelman said. " This bipartisan legislation
will make it easier for them to again become productive members of society.”
 
Stadelman honors parolee grads and youth outreach volunteers

State Senator Steve Stadelman congratulated 28 graduates of GEO Reentry Services
parolee acclimation program this week (bottom) and presented each with Certificates of
Recognition from the Illinois Senate commending them for their commitment to
self-improvement and mastery of new life skills.

Positive Reflections Community Outreach CEO Janene Stephenson and other volunteer
organizers (top) also received honors from Springfield when Senator Stadelman visited
the group's annual Youth Holiday Party at Patriots Gateway Center.

Stadelman passes River Edge Historic Preservation Tax Credit
After nearly two years of negotiation led by Senator Steve Stadelman, the Illinois Senate passed legislation to extend the River Edge Historic Preservation Tax Credit an additional year. Previously, the tax credit was set to expire Jan. 1, 2017. The credit has been an important economic tool for the revitalization of downtown Rockford, equal to 25 percent of the rehabilitation costs for a business in a historic building.
 
“To date, the tax credit has provided incentive for more than $100 million of development in Rockford alone,” Stadelman said. “The local economic development council estimates that extending the credit through 2017 would create an additional $110 million in development in Rockford. This would be a tremendous boost to our local economy.”
Previously, the tax credit was used to stimulate projects like the $12 million renovation at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, which also created 110 construction jobs. In addition to Rockford, the credit is also available in Aurora, Peoria, Elgin and East St. Louis. Senate Bill 1488 passed the Senate with a vote of 53-1 and will now head to the governor’s desk.

Epiphany award for community service given to Stadelman
Hope Fellowship Church of Rockford honored State Senator Steve Stadelman with its Epiphany award for community service during a gala celebration at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Rockford. The church presents the award to "selfless individuals who work without seeking the limelight ... to help overcome an obstacle." Stadelman was recognized for outreach efforts overall but especially for his free 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament. Hundreds of inner-city boys and girls have competed in Senator Stadelman's HoopStars since it began in 2013 as a Labor Day weekend event. Pastor Louis Malone, State Rep. Litesa Wallace and Rockford Ald. Tom McNamara also received awards.

Senate overrides automatic voter registration veto
An automatic voter registration system that would streamline elections, save money and reduce hassles for the average Illinoisan is closer to becoming law thanks to Illinois Senate Democrats.

Senator Steve Stadelman called automatic registration a common-sense, good-government measure that forces the bureaucracy to work for the people rather than the other way around.

"Automatic voter registration is growing in popularity across the country," said Stadelman, a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 250. "There's no good reason to require citizens to register to vote separate from when they get their driver's license when we have the technology for a seamless and secure one-stop process."

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the legislation even though he had previously expressed support and despite bipartisan approval in both the Illinois House and Senate earlier this year. Although all but one of the original Republican supporters backtracked, the Senate override now leaves the question in the hands of the Illinois House.

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