Wallace Bill to Increase Protections Against Lead Contamination Becomes Law -- Press Release Attached

FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE LITESA WALLACE

For More Information:

State Rep. Litesa Wallace

815-987-7433

Wallace Bill to Increase Protections Against Lead Contamination Becomes 

Law

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Under a new law supported by state Rep. Litesa Wallace, 

D-Rockford, which will take effect on Jan. 1, property owners will be 

required to address and notify potential owners and lessees about lead 

problems before selling or renting a residence.

"Sellers and landlords need to be upfront about potential health hazards 

when offering a living space, and this legislation requiring they notify 

potential buys and owners is a step in the right direction," Wallace 

said. "Lead can be a serious health hazard to families, and this new law 

will help to ensure that proper steps are taken to preserve the health 

and well-being of occupants."

Slated to take effect beginning Jan. 1, Senate Bill 2300 requires a 

property owner to inform a prospective occupant of known lead 

contamination prior to entering a lease, renewing a lease or closing on 

a sale. Lead, which causes illness through exposure, is often found in 

the walls of older houses and apartment buildings. According to the 

Illinois Department of Public Health, approximately 75 percent of homes 

in Illinois built before 1978 contain some form of lead-based paint.

"Unfortunately, there have been instances in Illinois where landlords 

have made multiple renters sick because they decided to hide a serious 

problem," Wallace said. "This new law creates needed transparency and 

accountability, something desperately needed in our state."

For more information, or to submit an idea, please contact Wallace's 

full-time constituent service office at 815-987-7433, or email 

Litesa@StateRepWallace.com.

###

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - December 30, 2016

Stadelman bill requiring county jails to accept cash bail among Top 10 new laws for 2017

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman that requires county jails to accept cash bail has been named one of the Top 10 new laws in 2017. Stadelman introduced Senate Bill 2907 after learning of a young man who unnecessarily spent the weekend in the Winnebago County Jail on a minor offense because technical difficulties prevented the jail from processing a credit card and because of a county policy against accepting cash bail.

While a great deal of the General Assembly's focus in 2016 was on the ongoing Illinois budget stalemate and a stopgap spending plan to keep vital programs and services running, several new laws dealing with worker pay and job benefits, safety, ethics and criminal justice reform take effect Jan. 1. 

Governor signs extension of Stadelman-backed tax credit for downtown Rockford

After nearly two years of negotiation led by State Senator Steve Stadelman, Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law Senate Bill 1488, which will extend the River Edge Historic Tax Credit for 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."

Besides Rockford, the tax credit is also available in Aurora, Peoria, Elgin and East St. Louis. In Rockford, the credit has stimulated projects like the $12 million Prairie Street Brewhouse renovation, which created 110 construction jobs.

Stadelman helps dish up holiday cheer at Rescue Mission

State Senator Senator's family joined him to help serve a hot holiday meal to 500 men, women and children who are homeless. He is pictured (right) with son Austin, a freshman at the University of Illinois-Champaign, and wife, Patty, a senior account executive at WTVO-17.

      ​     

Support Tom McNamara with a Yard Sign!

 

 

Show Your Support for Tom with a Yard Sign!   Tom speaking at the December 6 fundraiser at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.  Sign-up here! Signs will be placed in yards beginning in mid-January, per election rules. We will place the sign in your yard, and remove it after the election victory in April.    Make a Donation In a mayoral campaign, every dollar matters. We appreciate all contributions, large and small! Make a donation here.   Campaign Office 227 Church Street. Rockford, IL 61101 P: (779) 423-0488 A copy of our report is on file with the Winnebago County Clerk, 404 Elm St, Rockford, IL. Tom McNamara, Democratic Candidate for Rockford Mayor. Paid for by friends of Tom McNamara.

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - December 15, 2016

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.

​

Wallace Invites Community to Katie’s Cup for Tuesday Coffee Shop Stop -- Press Release Attached

FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE LITESA WALLACE

For Immediate Release:

Dec. 16, 2016

For More Information:

State Rep. Litesa Wallace

815-987-7433

Wallace Invites Community to Katie's Cup for Tuesday Coffee Shop Stop

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, is inviting 

residents to discuss state and local issues with her at a Coffee Shop 

Stop on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at Katie's Cup, located at 502 7th 

St. in Rockford.

"As we gear up for the new legislative session, I want to hear directly 

from taxpayers what they want to see happen in Springfield," Wallace 

said. "I want to make sure legislators are working for the people, and 

being open and transparent is one step to make that happen."

Wallace will provide a legislative update about recent activity in 

Springfield, and how Rockford is expected to be impacted. She will 

highlight the job-creating River Edge Tax Credit program that has 

recently been extended, as well as efforts to protect essential services 

like cancer screenings for at-risk women and Meals on Wheels for 

seniors. Following the update, Wallace will field questions from 

attendees. Coffee will be provided, and the forum is free to attend.

"I always look forward to engaging in a productive conversation with 

residents who choose to join these Coffee Shop Stops," Wallace said. 

"Their feedback is important to the decisions I make as a 

representative, and I continuously make an effort to share their 

thoughts when debating the critical issues that face us today."

For more information, please contact Wallace's full-time constituent 

service office at 815-987-7433, or email Litesa@StateRepWallace.com.

###

Wallace Blasts Unprecedented Energy Rate Hikes Approved by Governor -- Statement Attached

FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE LITESA WALLACE

For Immediate Release:

Dec. 8, 2016

For More Information:

State Rep. Litesa Wallace

815-987-7433

Wallace Blasts Unprecedented Energy Rate Hikes Approved by Governor

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, issued the 

following statement after Wednesday's signing of a two billion dollar 

utility bailout and approval of a separate energy rate hike by the 

Illinois Commerce Commission:

"One week after Governor Bruce Rauner brokered the largest rate hike in 

this country's history to bailout a profitable corporation, residents 

learned Wednesday that they would be on the hook for even more money.

"As he signed Senate Bill 2814, the governor-managed Illinois Commerce 

Commission was simultaneously saddling taxpayers in Illinois with a 

fresh $128 million rate increase for ComEd service. It is simply 

irresponsible to continue to work toward deepening the pockets of an 

already profitable energy conglomerate as residents in Rockford and 

around the state deal with the consequences of a reckless budget crisis 

created by the governor.

"With temperatures falling and consumer bills going up, Governor Bruce 

Rauner decided to put profits over people. Taxpayers in Rockford, who 

have faced the loss of critical mental health efforts, senior programs 

and other essential community services, deserve better.

"I call on my colleagues and the governor to shift priorities and begin 

to work in the interest of taxpayers and those who continue to face 

instability due to the budget impasse."

For more information, please contact Wallace's full-time constituent 

service office at 815-987-7433, or email Litesa@StateRepWallace.com.

###

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - December 5, 2016

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.

Central Committee Meeting is tonight, Monday, November 21, 2016

Winnebago County

Democratic Central Committee Meeting

The regular monthly

Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee meeting

 will be held tonight

Monday, November 21, 2016, 7 PM

  at the UAW Hall, 112 N. 2nd  St, Rockford.

Democrats, Democratic officials and friends of the Democratic Party are welcome to attend.

Visit our website at:

http://www.winndems.org

###

WinnDems_ Central Committee Meeting is Monday, November 21, 2016

Winnebago County

Democratic Central Committee

Meeting Date Change

The regular monthly

Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee meeting

 scheduled for November 17, 2016

 has been rescheduled for 

Monday, November 21, 2016, 7 PM

  at the UAW Hall, 112 N. 2nd  St, Rockford.

Visit our website at:

http://www.winndems.org

###

WinnDems Central Committee Meeting, Monday, November 21, 2016, 7 PM

Winnebago County

Democratic Central Committee

Meeting Date Change

The regular monthly

Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee meeting

 scheduled for November 17, 2016

 has been rescheduled for 

Monday, November 21, 2016, 7 PM

  at the UAW Hall, 112 N. 2nd  St, Rockford.

Visit our website at:

http://www.winndems.org

###

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - November 16, 2016

Veterans receive certification for special driver's licenses at Stadelman event

About 40 military veterans obtained the certification required to receive Illinois drivers' licenses that note their service in the armed forces at a Veteran's Day event offered by State Senator Steve Stadelman. Under legislation passed by Stadelman in 2015, veterans who present a driver's license with the designation qualify for discounts on purchases at participating businesses. To receive a driver's license with "VETERAN" appearing below the signature line, veterans must present official certification of their military status when renewing their license or applying for a state ID.

 

Stadelman's certification event gave veterans an opportunity to avoid the delay of a mail application or a trip to the Illinois National Guard Armory in Machesney Park. Two state Veteran Service Officers -- Matthew Taylor and Jessica Parker -- issued the certifications, and veterans enjoyed coffee and cookies while they were being processed.

Pro-veteran legislation passed during 2016 by Democrats in the Illinois Senate:

• expand options for veterans seeking treatment for addictions and give local veterans' assistance commissions greater ability to partner with drug courts
• make it a petty offense to falsely impersonate a veteran in Illinois
• include Illinois National Guard members among those who can obtain a veteran designation on Illinois identification cards
• offers business loans to veterans through the Illinois Finance Authority, similar to programs that already exist in Illinois for agribusiness and farming endeavors
  
  
  

Stadelman offers thanks for another successful women's health fair 

Two dozen businesses, nonprofits and government offices provided free medical and alternative health services to women who attended Senator Stadelman's second annual Women's Health Fair in Kresge Hall at Riverfront Museum Park. Free chloesterol and blood-glucose readings, referrals for breast and cervical cancer screenings, massage and aromatherapy demonstrations and facial skin analysis were among the many offerings. Guests also enjoyed harp and flute duets by Emerald Wind and refreshments including Jadabug Gourmet Roasted Coffee.

"Nothing is more important than your health," Stadelman said. "I'm grateful to everyone who helped bring these vital services together under one roof. Women should mark their calendars for mid-November 2017 and bring their mothers, daughters, sisters or girlfriends."

​

WinnDems Central Committee Meeting, Monday, November 21, 2016, 7 PM

NOTICE:

Central Committee Meeting Date Change

The regular monthly

Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee meeting

 scheduled for November 17, 2016

 has been rescheduled for Monday, November 21, 2016, 7 PM

  at the UAW Hall, 112 N. 2nd  St, Rockford.

###

Senator Stadelman's Women's Health Fair 2016

Winnebago County Democratic Party Election Night Victory Celebration

Winnebago County Democratic Party Election Night Victory Celebration 

Tuesday November 8^th, 2016

 

Please join the Winnebago County Democratic Party for our Election Night Victory Celebration.

We are confident that we will have much to celebrate Election Night!

DATE:
Tuesday November 8^th, 2016

START:
7:30 PM

WHERE: 

 IBEW Local #364 Union Hall

6820 Mill Road
Rockford, Illinois

 

Special thanks to our sponsors of the event IBEW Local 364, The Northwestern Illinois Building Trades, and the UAW Regional CAP Council, for providing the meeting room, food, and beverages at no cost to attending Democrats!

We hope to see you there!!!

 

Charlie Laskonis

 

Charles H. Laskonis

Chairman

Winnebago County Democratic Party

Email:

CLaskonis@WinnDems.org

 

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - October 27, 2016

Framing complete on Indoor Sports Center expansion  Construction workers and public officials including Senator Steve Stadelman gathered this week for a "topping off" ceremony at the Indoor Sports Center, where the last beam was lowered into place on a 133,000-square-foot expansion. Stadelman passed legislation in his freshman year in the Illinois General Assembly in 2013 to provide a funding mechanism for $13 million in projects to help Rockford regain its dominance in the sports tourism market. State funds help redesign dangerous Rockford road crossing State Senator Steve Stadelman joined local officials to reopen the intersection of East State Street and Bell School Road this week.  Reconstruction included the addition of sidewalks, walking paths and streetlights to an area frequented by pedestrians staying at several nearby hotels, where two Chinese businessmen were killed after being hit by an SUV nearly three years ago. State funds helped pay for the $5.7 million project. Stadelman backs bill to close executive ethics loophole   Cabinet-level appointees of the governor would be barred from using their official positions to sway elections under a bipartisan, good-government measure supported by Senator Steve Stadelman.  The proposal reflects federal ethics rules that prohibit government employees from campaigning in their official capacities. It would apply to paid political ads but would not prohibit appointees from endorsing or otherwise supporting candidates on their own time as private citizens. Campaign ads featuring state agency directors – including lawmakers who were appointed to cabinet-level positions by Gov. Bruce Rauner –  prompted the legislation. In the ads, the Rauner appointees endorse specific candidates and criticize challengers. Nothing in current Illinois law prohibits them from identifying themselves as leaders of state agencies while campaigning for candidates who were appointed by Rauner to replace them in the General Assembly. At least 43 other states have taken steps – called "little Hatch acts," a reference to the federal guidelines – to close similar ethics loopholes. Illinois is an outlier. Stadelman urges renewal of housing tax credit   Senator Steve Stadelman is urging lawmakers to support a plan to renew an expiring state income tax credit that supports the development of much-needed low-income housing in Illinois. The Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit gives a partial income tax credit to individuals, foundations or corporations that donate money to non-profit organizations that build affordable housing units. The credit will expire in December if it is not renewed by the General Assembly. Senator Steve Stadelman is a co-sponsor of legislation to extend it for five years. Since the tax credit was established in 2000, more than $370 million has been donated to help construct more than 18,000 housing units for low-income households. The program has helped to sustain 27,000 jobs in 51 projects across the state. Stadelman argues that the credit is among the smallest in Illinois but among the most effective incentives to create affordable.