Democratic News from Rockford, IL – more news at WinnDems.org.

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 

###

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, 2017The 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!


 
 
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Show Your Support for Tom with a Yard Sign!

 
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Tom speaking at the December 6 fundraiser at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. 

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. 

 
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Make a Donation

In a mayoral campaign, every dollar matters. We appreciate all contributions, large and small! Make a donation here.
 
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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:

###

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."





Winnebago County Democratic Party Election Night Victory Celebration


Winnebago County Democratic Party Election Night Victory Celebration 
Tuesday November 8th, 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 8th, 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:
 

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.

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It is a "lite" version of WinnDems.org.
Paul Gorski is the editor and posts the content.
More information about local Democratic officials and candidates can be found at WinnDems.org (http://www.winndems.org)
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