SPRINGFIELD – When survivors of abuse or domestic violence are in need of a protective order, they often hesitate due to the agonizing trauma it stirs up, or worse, out of fear of being stopped by their abuser. To give survivors a safer, more comfortable way to file for a protective order, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is leading a measure to allow people to request such documentation through virtual means.

“Survivors of abuse and domestic violence often face much grief and trauma about their situation – regardless of how much time has passed,” Stadelman said. “Having to face someone and talk about what they’ve gone through can be extremely difficult – bringing that trauma to the forefront of their mind. By allowing people to file for orders of protection at home, survivors will feel safer and more comfortable.”

 Stadelman’s measure would give people the option to file a protective order by email or online, in addition to in-person. The measure would also require any court in a county with a population above 250,000 to offer the option of a remote hearing to the petitioner for a protective order. Both the petitioner and the respondent would be allowed to appear for related hearings remotely or in-person.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“As our communities, working families and small businesses continue to face grave financial struggles brought forth by the ongoing pandemic, it is vital we provide them with tax relief. This budget does just that — by ensuring families are taken care of, while continuing to fully fund our K-12 education system and other important items to help our state thrive.”

ROCKFORD –Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) to provide assistance to local libraries for pandemic recovery, two libraries in the district he represents will receive nearly $75,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services.

“Libraries have been a valued resource for continued education, growth, and community development throughout the pandemic,” Stadelman said. “This grant program provides the resources needed for libraries to ensure residents are connected to these tools.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the state’s request for medical staffing assistance for Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside has finally been granted.

“The omicron variant has caused one of the highest surge in cases since the pandemic started, and it is happening at a time where many hospitals are short-staffed,” Stadelman said. “I am happy the state’s request for medical assistance was granted, as Javon Bea needs more help than ever before.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is reminding Illinois drivers that they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses and ID cards.

“Eliminating long lines and crowded facilities is one step we are taking to help control and slow the spread of COVID-19,” Stadelman said. “With many of the services available online and the new extension, there is no need to hurry to a brick-and-mortar facility to renew your license.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

ROCKFORD – Starting Jan. 1, Illinois and American flags purchased to fly at state agencies and institutions must be manufactured in the United States, thanks to a law spearheaded by State Senator Steve Stadelmen (D-Rockford). 

“We should be supporting local manufacturing companies that work hard and deserve our business,” Stadelman said. “We have no reason to be buying flags of our own state that are made in other countries.”

The new law will 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.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced a $4.5 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Rockford Airport on Wednesday.

“The Rockford Airport is a strong economic driver of our region that provides hundreds of jobs to our community,” Stadelman said. “The funding to help maintain and upgrade sections of the airport is an investment in our residents to help our area thrive after such a tough year.”

SPRINGFIELD – Backing his promise to expand electric vehicle production in both the Rockford area and state as a whole, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) championed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, which was signed into law Tuesday.

“This growing field indicates room for job growth in the electric vehicle market,” Stadelman said. “Illinois is working to encourage electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to keep and bring their production facilities here. That will lead to good paying jobs in Northern Illinois and across the state.”