SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is taking action to ensure local journalism survives in Illinois’ small towns and mid-sized cities.

“As a former journalist and news anchor, I know how important it is to have access to truly local news,” Stadelman said. “People deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, regardless of where they live.”

The measure would create the Local Journalism Task Force, which would be made up of 10 individuals representing print and broadcast media, journalism schools, and state and local government. They would be charged with conducting a study on communities underserved by local journalism and making recommendations on how to preserve and restore news coverage in these areas.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois passed committee Wednesday.

The legislation allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies. This change in the law would allow up to $700 million in financing.

“Investing in construction is also investing in workers,” Stadelman said. “This opportunity will create good-paying jobs across Illinois.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand, and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders.

“This measure creates new economic development opportunities for the state,” Stadelman said. “The construction industry is a key part of our state’s economy, so it makes sense to allow the treasurer to invest in infrastructure projects.”

Senate Bill 117 passed the Senate State Government Committee with a vote of 9-0 and now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing a $200,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant for the Rockford Park District to develop boat access areas in Rockford.

“With spring just around the corner, this grant will help Rockford further develop its riverfront access,” Stadelman said. “This investment will provide residents and visitors with easier access to enjoy the Rock River.”

The grant will help pay for parking lots, boat stalls, light poles, and painting at Mercyhealth Sportscore One Boating Area Development. The funding will also help install a new water pressure tank, vanities, a drinking fountain and LED lights for the restrooms at the same location.

The Boat Access Area Development Program provides financial assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition, construction, and expansion or rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois’ lakes and rivers.

 “A more accessible river attracts more visitors to the Rockford area, and the local economy will benefit,” Stadelman said.

The program provides up to 100% of approved project construction costs and 90% of approved land acquisition costs. Revenue comes from marine motor fuel tax and boat and canoe registration fees. 

More information about the program is available here.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing that Winnebago County will receive over $4.5 million in funding for local transportation projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“This funding demonstrates the state’s continued commitment to local roads and bridges in the Rockford area,” Stadelman said. “When Rockford’s infrastructure improves, so does our local economy.”

Rebuild Illinois has allocated $1.5 billion in funding specifically for municipal- and county-level projects. Infrastructure investments improve safety, quality of life and the economy, which contributes to the revitalization of communities across the state.

ROCKFORD – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is congratulating Cherry Valley Elementary School’s 3rd grade class on being selected as a winner.

“This Biodiversity Grant Program provides an excellent chance for students to expand their education outside of the classroom,” Stadelman said. “I’m pleased that the students at Cherry Valley Elementary School were chosen for this great opportunity.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Four classes selected for the grant will take a trip to Severson Dells Nature Center, which hosts environmental education courses in the 369-acre Severson Dells Forest Preserve. At the center, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsIBFTG.aspx.

ROCKFORD – With the state’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting a commitment made by the state to grant $772,000 in funding for a shovel ready construction project in downtown Rockford on Thursday.

“The redevelopment of downtown Rockford benefits the entire region,” Stadelman said. “The project next to the new library uses prime riverfront property, with a mix of dining, retail and residential space that promises to appeal to a diverse crowd.”

The project, funded through the Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program, is set to prepare an underutilized site located at 227 N. Wyman in Rockford for redevelopment, with project activities including architectural engineering, site preparation and improvement.

The grant will help support Bush construction, the company developing the six-story riverfront property next to the new downtown Rockford Public Library with space for a restaurant, retail shops and apartment units.

"I'm excited this project is shovel-ready and now will be supported with Rebuild Illinois funds,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to the opening of the new library campus.”

The Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program is part of Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in to serve the 34^th Senate District for another term Wednesday. 

Stadelman, from the greater Rockford area, was originally elected to serve in the General Assembly in November 2012. Previously, he worked as a professional journalist and reporter in the Rockford area for two decades. 

Over the past eight years, Stadelman has fought for education reform, to bring an Amtrak route to Rockford, to help upgrade local youth sports facilities, to protect Illinois’ consumers, to help abuse victims and to fight for college students.

“It’s an incredible honor to continue to serve the Rockford area,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to getting back to work to help the people of Rockford and the state of Illinois as we continue to face this public health crisis.”

Stadelman’s district office is located at 200 S. Wyman St., Suite 301, in Rockford. People can contact his office at (815) 987-7557, or at www.senatorstadelman.com. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) voted for a comprehensive measure to focus on achieving racial equity within education Monday. 

“When you focus on making a more inclusive education system, everyone benefits,” Stadelman said. “This legislation will help even the playing field for students who may need additional resources.” 

The overhaul of the state’s education system will require the Professional Review Panel to review funding adequacy target calculations, racial equity, and whether funding goals are sufficient, among other things.

“There is no excuse for any child in the state to not reach their full potential solely because their ZIP code, socioeconomic background or the color of their skin,” Stadelman said. “Providing necessary services at an early age will ensure better educational outcomes for the entire state.” 

The bill creates new programs to support education from early childhood to college. Students entering kindergarten would be more rigorously assessed for academic, social and emotional development skills. The state's standards for high schools would be revised to ensure more students are able to attend college. Other measures include a six-week summer program to help students in poverty and the creation of a task force to support equitable environments in Illinois schools.

enhancing programs to keep

The measure, House Bill 2170, has passes both chambers. It will now go to the governor’s desk for further consideration.