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Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - August 2, 2019
Measure limiting tinted headlights signed into law
Legislation that State Senator Steve Stadelman partnered with the Illinois State Police to pass to limit the use of tinted headlights on cars was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker. Senate Bill 87, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly on bipartisan votes, prohibits smoked or tinted headlights and taillights from being installed on a car.
"Being able to see other vehicles when driving at night or during bad weather can be a matter of life for death," Stadelman said. "I'm glad to have worked with the State Police to get this done."
lliinois law requires headlights to emit a white light at a distance of 1000 feet. Taillights are required to produce a red light visible for at least 500 feet.
Governor visits Rockford to signs bills to strenghten Scott's Law
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a package of bills in Rockford that increases penalties for motorists who fail to slow down or move over for parked emergency vehicles along Illinois roads.
One of the bills increases fines and adds possible jail time for violators of "Scott's Law," enacted in 2012 after an intoxicated driver struck and killed Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen while he was assisting at a crash scene. Two other bills raise fines for traffic violations in construction zones and establish a 20-member "Move Over Task Force" to study the causes of "Scott's Law" violations.
The legislation comes after the separate roadside deaths of three Illinois State Police officers earlier this year including trooper Brooke Jones-Story, who was killed in March after being struck by a tractor-trailer during a traffic stop in Freeport.
Stadelman legislation fighting illegal logging on conservation land signed into law
Individuals who own an interest in conservation or preservation land will be able to recover costs associated with damage done when someone illegally cuts down trees on the owner's property thanks to legislation signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker. State Senator Steve Stadelman was the legislation's sponsor.
"Preserving our state's natural beauty for future generations is more important than some people think," Stadelman said. "I'm glad I was able to partner with the Illinois Environmental Council to pass this legislation, which strengthens existing protections."
The legislation passed both chambers unanimously and takes effect immediately.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Thanks to Bourn & Koch Inc. for giving Rep. West and myself a tour of its plant on Kishwaukee Street. The company is taking advantage of state grant money to train employees.
Last night's softball showdown at Busch Stadium between Missouri and Illinois lawmakers had to be canceled in the 1st inning because of rain. ☹️ We tried to convince them to cancel tonight's Cardinals-Cubs game so we could get our game in. It didn't work. 😂
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Senate Democratic Caucus Events: Summer 2019
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Fw: Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - February 22, 2019
Stadelman encouraged by new governor's first budget addressSenator Steve Stadelman expressed optimism over the education focus and inclusion of downstate revitalization in Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget address Wednesday in Springfield, saying the new chief executive's message signals an end to the partisan stalemate that plagued state government the past several years.The passage in Pritzker's speech that most impressed Stadelman was: "During times of economic growth across the country, we lost four valuable years because of an ideological battle (in Springfield). That stops now." Stadelman said that work remains over the next three months to balance the budget, but he's hopeful Pritzker "will bring new leadership after years of political gridlock."Stadelman noted that spending increases called for by Pritzker are mostly confined to education, and additional funds for Illinois' recently reformed school funding formula benefits local classrooms.
"The governor's commitment to put more money into that formula is good news for Rockford and Harlem public schools," he said. "From a long-term perspective, you want investments in education. That's going to help out the state in the long run."Pritzker's talk of a downstate revitalization plan also piqued Stadelman's interest.
"Obviously, the focus on areas outside of Chicago, including Rockford, Springfield or Peoria, that's good," he said. "I'm looking forward to a specific program and what details may be involved, but anything to foster growth and improve the business climate for areas like Rockford would be extremely helpful."
Stadelman continues to pursue passenger rail to Rockford
State Senator Steve Stadelman attended a community forum on passenger rail earlier this month and left unshaken in his belief that train service drives economic development. Voter approval of a referendum to restore passenger rail between Chicago and East Dubuque, combined with the election of a new governor, could mean "maybe we'll look at passenger rail service differently and make it a priority," Stadelman said.
Organized by the Region 1 Planning Council in response to the November 2018 referendum, the panel discussion included representatives from Amtrak, Rockford Mass Transit District and Midwest High Speed Rail Association.
Amtrak expressed interest in updating data from 2014, when Gov. Pat Quinn dedicated $223 million to redeveloping Amtrak service between Chicago and Rockford. The project was halted, however, when Bruce Rauner took office in January 2015. In November 2018, two advisory referendums found that most local voters favor resurrecting passenger rail between Chicago and Iowa with a route through Rockford.
"Data and studies have shown that passenger rail goes a long way toward keeping and attracting business and residents," Stadelman said.In case you missed me on Facebook ...An educational and emotional Black History Month Program at Veterans Memorial Hall. Several African-American service members shared their unique perspectives on such topics as serving their country and race relations. Also, it was great to meet 8 year old Joc and his family. Joc claims to remember watching me on TV news when he could have only been 1-2 years old at the time.😂
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