SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that will ensure local sales tax revenue approved by Winnebago county voters is used for mental health and substance abuse resources.

“The voters spoke. They said they want this money to go towards mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. I want to ensure it does,” Stadelman said.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would help cities and counties address blighted properties was signed into law Friday.

“Blighted properties don’t just affect the lots next door. They damage the value of all homes on the block,” Stadelman said. “Giving our local governments the tools to fight against these properties will help revitalize our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and State Representative Dave Vella requires state agencies and institutions to only purchase American and Illinois flags manufactured in the United States.

“There’s no reason for us to be flying American and Illinois flags made in other countries,” Stadelman said. “This legislation rights a wrong while supporting local manufacturing and business economies at the same time.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is happy to share that the State Historic Preservation Office will award Rockford a $19,000 grant for a survey of historic industrial buildings.

“Honoring the places where Rockford’s industrial economy began helps us commemorate our past,” Stadelman said. “This grant gives the city the tools to survey and identify the historical importance of many of the old buildings that still exist within Rockford today.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently announced more than $131,400 in funding for local governments for nine historic preservation projects through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.

Rockford was selected for a comprehensive survey of historic industrial buildings built between 1850 and 1930. The city will receive $19,000 in Federal Historic Preservation Funds and provide $7,000 in matching funds toward the program.

Rockford has seen a significant amount of new development, largely due to the River Edge Historic Tax Credit Program, which gives a state income-tax credit to the owners of historic structures matching 25% of rehabilitation project costs. Examples of projects made possible by the program are Prairie Street Brewhouse, the Rockford Trust Building, Midtown Lofts and the Handley Building, all located downtown.

“Taking a look back at the industrial start of Rockford and the many factories that called this city home allows us to recognize how they shaped the area,” Stadelman said. “These funds will help us identify the importance of many of these historic buildings and make preservation decisions for the future.”

The SHPO is planning another round of grants in the fall.  Information on how to apply for Certified Local Government grants is available on the IDNR website.

ROCKFORD – State Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) congratulated the Region 1 Planning Council on winning an important grant to help expand broadband access throughout the Northern Stateline region, which includes the Rockford area.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced the first list of grant recipients for the Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption + Digital Equity (READY).

“Internet access is becoming as important as telephones and electricity for many citizens, and Illinois is looking to get them connected with better speeds,” Stadelman said. “High speed internet will help many people in the Rockford area work and search for work, connect families, and help students who need access to educational information.”

The inaugural READY program is a first of its kind, with $200,000 already awarded to four regional entities to accelerate progress in eliminating the digital divide. The program is meant to fuel local efforts to increase digital equity for homeowners and citizens who lack access to high-speed internet.

“Region 1 Planning Council is grateful for the opportunity to bring partners together as a part of the Broadband READY program,” said Region 1 Planning Council Executive Director Michael Dunn, Jr. “Focusing on the elimination of the digital divide in Winnebago & Boone Counties, DCEO’s funding helps establish a regional action plan as well as funding Rockford Public Library’s launch of a Chromebook and hot-spot lending program for its patrons. The READY program will help our region take practical steps toward closing the digital divide and enhancing broadband access, adoption and use.”

The READY grantees may use funds to expand immediate broadband connectivity, conduct outreach and engagement to identify current digital inequities, and establish next steps toward creating a digital inclusion ecosystem. More information on the broadband access grants is available on the DCEO website.

ROCKFORD –State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) wants Rockford area small businesses to know that an expanded state service is available to help them access economic recovery grant programs.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has invested an additional $9 million in its community navigator outreach program, with new partners serving the Rockford area.

“Our local businesses are working hard to rebuild financial stability as we move out of the pandemic,” Stadelman said. “I urge owners and managers to work with a navigator if they need help finding funding to help them return to normalcy.”

This expansion to the existing community navigator program leverages 13 organizations that will provide support for small businesses who require assistance navigating the billions of financial assistance dollars that are available. Community navigators will perform intensive outreach to ensure that small and hard-to-reach businesses are aware of economic relief funds.

DCEO trained 13 new regional partners to facilitate technical assistance for small businesses on a grassroots level. These 13 organizations, which were selected through a competitive process, will work with over 100 community-based organizations based in low-to-moderate-income areas. The American Business Immigrant Coalition and Illinois Public Health Association will coordinate efforts in Winnebago County.

To ensure the smallest and most vulnerable businesses are prioritized, navigator partners will provide small businesses with direct assistance on applications, as well as language assistance, on-the-ground outreach, webinars, technical assistance sessions, and more.

For more information on recovery programs and how to receive support, businesses can visit the DCEO webpage or call the First Stop hotline at 1.800.252.2923.

ROCKFORD – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program, and State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to share $26,000 in grant money is going to the Blackhawk Fire Protection District.

“I am happy to see additional funding go toward our fire departments,” Stadelman said. “The men and women that work hard to protect us from fires and other emergencies deserve to have the right tools for the job.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. Their purpose is to allow eligible applicants to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protections districts and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years prior to applying.

The full list of grants can be found here. 

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to support mental health education in schools, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is sponsoring legislation that helps school leaders identify, understand, and respond to mental health problems school children may face.

“Educating students about their mental health early in life will benefit them in the long term,” Stadelman said. “Many students will navigate difficult situations in a healthier way if schools are able to teach them and provide instruction on how to cope and respond with their mental health.”