Over $100,000 investment coming to 34th District thanks to Stadelman

ROCKFORD – Following a competitive application process, the Winnebago County Health Department has been chosen to receive a Health Equity Zone grant to support its efforts to improve health outcomes for Rockford residents, thanks to funding secured by State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Early intervention for mental health conditions and fighting stigma is essential if we are to successfully mitigate the mental health crisis many people in our community are experiencing,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will allow the Winnebago County Health Department to address these root causes, resulting in improved health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.”

Health Equity Zone grants – made possible by funding Stadelman strongly supported in last year’s state budget – invest in programs designed to reverse historic health disparities in Illinois communities. The program is part of the Healthy Illinois 2028 state health improvement plan and state health assessment, which are multi-step plans designed to address root causes of public health crises, including underinvestment, inaccessibility of care, and racism towards prospective patients.

The Winnebago County Health Department has been awarded $118,000 in HEZ grant funding to expand its Community of Concern workgroup. This workgroup addresses health disparities around mental and behavioral health impacting a vulnerable community area in Rockford. With this funding, the COC will work to improve mental health through prevention and early intervention, including improving access to self-care, decreasing stigma associated with mental health conditions, and building community resilience.

“We are excited for the opportunity to address mental and behavioral health through a public health lens and improve health equity in our community,” said Dr. Sandra Martell, public health administrator for the Winnebago County Health Department.

To learn more about HEZ grants, click here.

Stadelman sworn in during 104th General Assembly inauguration

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“It is always an honor to take the oath of office and serve the people of the greater Rockford region. I will continue efforts to boost our economy, increase access to health care and education and improve the lives of people in the 34th Senate District and throughout the state.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we tackle Illinois’ problems and look for solutions. I'll continue listening and fighting for the people of the Rockford area and ensure their voice is heard in Springfield.”

Stadelman disappointed by delays in Belvidere Plant investment, calls on Stellantis to honor original deal

ROCKFORD – Following Stellantis’ announcement of delaying their investment in the Belvidere Assembly Plant in his district, State Senator Steve Stadelman is urging the company to follow through on their 2023 commitment to invest nearly $5 billion to revive the plant.

“Delaying the revitalization of the plant jeopardizes the economic security of our community, as well as the trust between Stellantis and the United Auto Workers,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The deal we reached last October is good for our community and all parties involved, and it needs to be honored by Stellantis.”

Belvidere Assembly Plant has been producing cars since 1965. Initially owned by Chrysler, the plant was purchased by Stellantis, a company owning several car brands including Dodge and Ram. A year after the buyout, Stellantis announced the plant was going to be “indefinitely closed” starting in 2023.

Following this announcement, members of the UAW union began a strike in opposition. Stadelman, as well as other state and local leaders, worked with both parties until they agreed to a contractual agreement to reopen the plant in the next few years.

The contract terms included that the revitalized plant would manufacture a new Ram truck, as well as expand operations to include a new battery plant, parts distribution hub and a new electric vehicle line. The contract came as Illinois continued to offer incentives for EV manufacturers to invest in Illinois plants, including the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act in 2021, a historic stimulus package offering tax credits and other incentives to attract manufacturers of electric vehicles, batteries and other EV components, of which Stadelman was the lead sponsor.

Since then, Illinois has continued to incentivize EV production in Illinois, creating the $400 million Large Business Attraction Fund to empower Illinois to become a global magnet for EV technology. While these incentives drew Stellantis to commit to revitalizing the Belvidere plant, the company is pushing back the timeline for the plant to reopen and refusing to negotiate with the UAW.

“Stellantis signed onto this agreement because, with our gracious incentives to invest in EV, Illinois seemed like the best place to produce these vehicles,” said Stadelman. “However, they’ve decided now to turn their back on what truly makes Illinois the best place for auto manufacturing — our automotive workers. I implore them to meet with UAW members to find a compromise or a path to honoring the original agreement, as it would benefit them and members of my community who would see thousands of job opportunities in our district.”

Stadelman celebrates $2.2 million awarded to local grocery stores

ROCKFORD – To address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures, State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing over $2.2 million in grants for District 34 stores.

“Preventing grocery store closures is the key to reducing food insecurity, promoting healthy living and maintaining vibrant, self-sustaining communities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, high-quality food.”

The New Stores in Food Deserts and Equipment Upgrades programs support the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts and preserve access to fresh food in communities at risk of becoming food-insecure. Grants will fund construction, renovation and first-year operational costs for new stores, and will support existing grocery stores in securing energy-efficient equipment upgrades.

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