SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of a groundbreaking renewable energy package that preserves local jobs at the Byron Generating Station nuclear plant, creates new career opportunities in the energy sector and trains workers for the future of the industry, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement:

“Thousands of people across the state rely on power plants for their livelihoods, including many employees at the Byron nuclear plant on Rockford’s back doorstep. As we make the transition to green energy, we have to make sure these Illinoisans aren’t left in the dark.

“I’m proud to support an energy transition plan that prioritizes economic stability for our working families in the long term, protecting existing jobs while training our labor force to seize the opportunities of the future of energy.

“Illinois is now on the path toward an independent and prosperous power generation industry that values the people at Byron Generating Station and across the state who go to work every day to keep our lights on.”

ROCKFORD – Today, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) joined his colleagues to protect and create tens of thousands of jobs while setting Illinois on a path toward clean energy for the state.

“This is a smart investment in the future of Illinois,” Stadelman said. “We are saving thousands of well-payingjobs as well as creating tens of thousands of long-term, good-paying renewable energy jobs.”

ROCKFORD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will be reviving its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in Rockford, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced Thursday.

“Many working families have experienced real trouble due to the devastating social and economic impacts of COVID-19,” Stadelman said. “The restoration of in-person unemployment and workforce services will make their lives easier and help them return to work.”

IDES appointments are available now but must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance at 303 North Main Street in Rockford. To schedule an appointment, people should call the IDES scheduling hotline at 217-558-0401 and request a callback.

An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:

• Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
• Assistance registering with IllinoisJobLink.com
• Assistance documenting work search activities
• Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
• Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To ensure efficiency, each appointment will be 20 minutes and visitors will be afforded a 10-minute grace period.

In the coming weeks, IDES will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.

People are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply for benefits, enroll in direct deposits, change passwords, engage in work searches and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. They can also continue to receive help from an IDES expert over the phone by requesting a callback at 800-244-5631. As a reminder, if a callback is received at an inconvenient time, claimants may reschedule the callback for a specific time with a call center agent.

ROCKFORD – Patrons of North Suburban and Rockford Public Library Districts will soon see upgrades to services thanks to more than $325,000 in grants, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced Wednesday.

“Libraries are valuable resources for many who need the resources, technology, and educational opportunities they provide,” Stadelman said. “During a time of increased reliance on technology for work, school and everyday life, libraries really stepped up to help – especially for people who have less access to high speed internet and other resources at home.”

The $329,308.51 received by two local library districts is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more. 

“More funding means better services provided by these libraries,” Stadelman said. “This investment will allow our libraries to provide even more opportunities for local residents.”

The following libraries in the district Stadelman represents will receive funds:

• Loves Park – North Suburban Public Library District - $103,823.78
• Rockford Public Library District - $225,484,73

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.