BELVIDERE -- State Senator Steve Stadelman today praised the announcement of $2.7 million in state funding to replace five aging bridges that support the Long Prairie Trail as a "smart investment in something that's an important recreational asset but also an alternative transportation option in northern Illinois."

Long Prairie Trail is a rail-to-trail conversion, stretching 14.2 miles across 16 bridges, most of which are remnants of the old K&D Rail line and are in dire need of replacement. Five bridges that have outlived their useful lifespan, especially from a safety perspective, will be reconstructed for an estimated cost of $3 million. 

"Illinois is reversing decades of disinvestment, making communities more connected and providing more ways for people to travel from place to place," Stadelman said. "Long Prairie Trail connects several regional destinations and links to Stone Bridge Trail in Winnebago County, providing access to even more outdoor attractions -- Rock Cut State Park being prominent among them."

A total of $139.2 million in Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grants are going to 66 projects statewide from 233 applications for $383 million in financial assistance. ITEP awards focus on projects that improve bicycle and pedestrian travel or otherwise enhance local transportation networks. The next call for ITEP-eligible projects is expected in 2026.

"Projects like Long Prairie Trail are the quality-of-life amenities people want when deciding where to buy homes and raise families," Stadelman said. "Whether people frequent Long Prairie Trail for exercise, leisure or as an alternative to driving a motor vehicle, it's a valuable asset that deserves to be maintained and deserves the state's support."

ITEP is part of Rebuild Illinois, legislation Stadelman supported in 2019 that commits a record $33.2 billion toward upgrades to the Illinois transportation system -- including $275 million to restore passenger rail between Rockford and Chicago with a stop in downtown Belvidere.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Patients deserve to know ahead of time if any extra fees will be added onto their bill,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals need to take responsibility and inform their patients of all applicable fees at any of their facilities.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

ROCKFORD – Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, two school districts in Stadelman’s district have secured grants to support student learning.

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in learning,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding helps libraries stay up-to-date with trends to ensure accessibility for all our students.”  

In Stadelman’s district, the Belvidere School District was awarded $6,302 and the Rockford School District was awarded $21,904. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

SPRINGFIELD – In 2023, instances of elder fraud cost victims over $3.4 billion, according to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report. With more seniors falling victim to financial exploitation, State Senator Steve Stadelman has been working on strengthening protections to safeguard older adults and their financial savings.

“Fewer than 5% of elder financial abuse victims recover their lost savings,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Allowing financial professionals the ability to pause suspicious transactions can be a big safeguard, protecting seniors and their life savings while concerns are being looked into.”

Senate Bill 1551 would allow financial advisors and other similar qualified individuals to delay transactions and disbursements from a person’s account if they suspect elder financial exploitation. It also would require them to report to the Illinois Department on Aging and Secretary of State’s securities department when they have reasonable belief that elder financial abuse has occurred.