SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was proud to support a budget that prioritizes families, businesses and schools who faced heavy losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This budget puts Illinois on the road to recovery,” Stadelman said. “At a time when we're recovering from a historically devastating year, delivering a responsible budget that ensures the well-being of all Illinoisans was our most important duty, and I feel we've done that.”

The budget ensures Illinois will repay $3.2 billion in federal debts that arose out of the pandemic, a year ahead of schedule saving Illinois taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in interest payments in the process. The budget will also alleviate the state's backlog of bills in order for critical investments to be made to stimulate recovery.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to support mental health education in schools, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is sponsoring legislation that helps school leaders identify, understand, and respond to mental health problems school children may face.

“Educating students about their mental health early in life will benefit them in the long term," Stadelman said. “Many students will navigate difficult situations in a healthier way if schools are able to teach them and provide instruction on how to cope and respond with their mental health."

House Joint Resolution 1 urges Illinois schools to provide education for all students in grades 6 to 12 on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses, as well as provide instruction on how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) requiring state agencies and institutions to only purchase American and Illinois flags manufactured in the United States passed the State Senate on Memorial Day.

“There’s no reason for us to be flying our state and nation’s flags if they’re not made in this country,” Stadelman said. “This legislation rights a wrong while supporting our local businesses and economies at the same time.”

The legislation would change the Flag Display Act to no longer allow state institutions and agencies to purchase American and Illinois flags from manufacturers outside of the U.S.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that passed the General Assembly on Thursday would require public schools that offer sex education curricula to include a lesson about the risks of sexting.

“Technology has evolved a significant amount in the last decade,” Stadelman said. “This legislation would update Illinois’ sex education curriculum to include a lesson on sexting, so students can learn about the real-life consequences of the virtual act.”

The legislation would require schools that offer a sex education course or unit to revise their current curricula to include an age-appropriate lesson on sexting and its potential consequences.