Stadelman helps secure $124,000 in childhood program funding for Boone and Winnebago counties

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.

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Stadelman secures $127 million for Northern Illinois infrastructure projects

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.

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Stadelman advocates for free speech in the media amidst federal pushback

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to stifle free speech and Nexstar Media Group's complicity by not airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! He is available to meet reporters at Sedgewick Drive and Inner Circle Drive, immediately north of the WTVO-17 News studio, for interviews this afternoon:

"I'm extremely disappointed with Nexstar Corporation, owner of the local ABC affiliate WTVO-TV.

"Even though ABC's parent corporation Walt Disney allowed Jimmy Kimmel to return to his late-night show last night, it was not seen on ABC stations owned by Nexstar, including in Rockford. 

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Stadelman: News organizations should be shielded from retaliatory lawsuits

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman championed a new law that protects the rights of Illinois residents and the press to freely express their views in the media.

“As a former news anchor, I know it’s essential for the media to use their First Amendment right to free speech and press,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law ensures the media can do their job freely, without fear of legal harassment or intimidation.”

Stadelman filed Senate Bill 1181 following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for journalists. The new law strengthens the state’s existing Citizens Participation Act by expanding protections for individuals and the press against lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them, regardless of the motive behind the lawsuit. A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is a legal tactic used to silence or intimidate critics by burdening them with costly and time-consuming litigation, often targeting individuals or organizations who speak out on issues of public interest.

The Supreme Court ruled the state’s anti-SLAPP law did not protect media outlets or journalists. Stadelman’s new law clarifies news organizations should be shielded from retaliatory lawsuits.

“We cannot allow SLAPP lawsuits to be used against people speaking out or reporting the truth,” said Stadelman. “We’re making it clear that Illinois values free press and democracy.”

Senate Bill 1181 was signed into law Thursday.