SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) advanced legislation through the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee today that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to move into a safe environment. The proposal gives victims up to 60 days to pay their initial deposit on gas, electric and water bills.

Many domestic violence victims are forced to stay in dangerous environments because they don’t have the resources to leave. Under Stadelman’s legislation, the deposits must still be paid, but victims will have more time to prepare their finances so they can move out.

“One of the top reasons domestic violence victims stay in these situations is because they can’t afford to leave. This legislation gives them additional time to get their finances in order to pay for some of their most basic needs, electricity and water. I hope this will encourage more victims to move to a safe environment,” said Stadelman.

The legislation passed committee unanimously, and now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey in the Illinois Senate Revenue Committee to testify in support of extending the River Edge Historic Tax Credit. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the cost of the rehabilitation and can be utilized in Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford.

In Rockford, the existing tax credit has already created 110 construction jobs and led to the $12 million renovation of the Prairie Street Brewhouse.

“Thanks to this tax credit, we have already seen multi-million dollar investments create jobs and grow the tax revenue for our community. I’m fighting to extend this credit to promote additional investment and job growth in Rockford,” said Stadelman.

If the credit is not extended, the future of another major project, the Ziock Building rehabilitation, may become uncertain.

“The proposed plans to rehab the Ziock Building into a hotel and convention center would create new jobs and tax revenue for our community. The additional tourists the hotel could attract to visit our topnotch sports facilities and other amenities would create a tourism boom in Rockford’s economy,” said Morrissey.

Stadelman’s legislation will be brought to a vote in an upcoming Senate Committee.

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) has been appointed to serve on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission, a key organization that advocates for passenger rail expansion throughout the region.

"This is a great opportunity to continue advocating on behalf of one of my biggest priorities, bringing Amtrak to Rockford. Once it is completed, the new rail will be a tremendous boost to our economy, and I look forward to the resources and guidance this organization can provide to help get the job done," said Stadelman.

The commission, originally formed in 2000, is made up of state legislators and gubernatorial appointments from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Stadelman was chosen for the appointment by the Illinois Senate because of his continued commitment to expanding Amtrak to Rockford. The two-year appointment ends in January of 2017. Stadelman will join Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) as one of two newly appointed representatives from the Illinois Senate on the commission.