ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman led a major energy relief package that passed the Senate last week, aiming to save Illinoisans over $13 billion on electricity costs over the next two decades.

“Across the country, energy prices have spiked and it’s impacting people’s ability to maintain access to essential utilities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure provides Illinois with new provisions to protect utility consumers by pushing back against the federal administration’s energy cuts and giving the state the flexibility to address market changes.”

Senate Bill 25 would give Illinois new tools to reduce utility rate hikes, strengthen the state’s power grid, expand renewable energy sources and keep bills low for consumers. The measure contains multiple provisions to tackle rising energy costs while transitioning Illinois to a cleaner, more reliable grid.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman praised Monday’s announcement that the historic Rockford Brake Manufacturing factory is reopening following an Economic Development for Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement – bringing $6.6 million and 150 new job opportunities to the Rockford region.

“This announcement highlights a welcome return on public investment in our workforce and emphasizes the importance of the automotive industry in Rockford’s economy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This investment enables the Rockford Brake Manufacturing company to revitalize their machinery and take part in the growing commercial vehicle industry.”

Together with state incentives and the efforts of four former employees of Gunite Corporation, a new business was established to save Rockford Brake Manufacturing by purchasing the 619,000-square-foot idled factory and relaunching operations. The company received an EDGE for Startups tax credit and has committed to making $6.6 million investment and creating 150 new full-time jobs, including hiring employees from the original workforce.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $124,000 to support two local early childhood groups advance their efforts at strengthening children and families through their programs.

“We are working together with local community partners to provide children and families with the best early childhood learning and care opportunities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Early childhood programs are vital stepping stones for children, preparing them for a successful future. It is important that all communities have access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood services.”

In the 34^th District, Ready to Learn of Winnebago County’s Alignment Rockford and the Boone County Health Department’s Maternal Child Health Advisory Council will see a total of $124,000 to support early childhood services.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $127 million to build and repair infrastructure in Northern Illinois.

“This is an investment into our communities, ensuring residents have access to the best local and state roads, bridges and overall means of travel,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Continuing these essential investments improves the longevity of our infrastructure and facilitates better access between communities.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.