SPRINGFIELD — An economic growth package containing incentives for cutting-edge technology and clean energy manufacturing connected with the creation of new jobs in cities like Rockford cleared the Senate Sunday, thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Thanks to the REV incentive program, Stellantis is investing nearly $5 billion in the 34^th District, leading to thousands of new jobs in the Belvidere community,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This package will expand on these incentive programs and update our business development tools to make sure Illinois remains competitive for jobs and new capital investment.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s legislation aimed at strengthening local journalism and supporting aspiring reporters is headed to the governor’s desk.

“Local journalism is vital for our communities, providing necessary information and holding those in power accountable,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This bill ensures that local news organizations remain transparent during critical transitions and supports the next generation of journalists.”

The measure would establish the Journalism Student Scholarship Program to help support students who are pursuing careers in Illinois journalism through financial assistance. The legislation would also require local news organizations to notify the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and employees 120 days before a sale occurs. The goal is to give other businesses, newspapers and nonprofits the chance to step in and keep the publication local, rather than furthering the decline in local journalism by selling to a private equity firm.

“Requiring advance notice for sales protects employees and ensures communities are aware of changes that might affect their local news sources,” said Stadelman.

The Senate concurred to Senate Bill 3592 Friday. It now heads to the governor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is leading a measure to bolster local journalism by ensuring fair compensation from big tech platforms.

“Local journalism is a cornerstone of our democracy, providing essential information that keeps our communities informed and engaged,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation ensures that news publishers are fairly compensated for their work, which is increasingly being utilized by large tech platforms for profit.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman recently held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Revenue Committee on a measure designed to uplift local journalism.

“Local journalism is the backbone of our communities, providing essential news and information that keeps residents informed and engaged,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We must do what we can to preserve local journalism and, in turn, preserve democracy.”

Senate Bill 3953 would create the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, which aims to provide critical financial support to local news organizations and small businesses through targeted tax credits.

The bill contains two tax credits: one is withholding credits to help companies and their local newsrooms maintain and expands staff. Over the past 15-20 years, Illinois has lost a third of its local newspapers and newsrooms in the state, and has reduced jobs by 85%. The other tax credit is for local small businesses which advertise with local newsrooms.