Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman

Stadelman announces new funding to strengthen food security

Details: Category: Press Releases; Monday, September 21, 2026 09:18 AM

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“Every Illinois family should have reliable access to fresh, healthy food close to home,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will help communities keep grocery stores open, bring new stores to areas that need them and make important upgrades to existing stores. By investing in local grocery access, we can help strengthen our communities and make sure families aren’t left without the food and resources they need.”

The new Grocery Rescue Program will support efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the preceding 12 months. This program is designed to prevent long-term food access loss in low-access tracts, preventing the formation of new food deserts. Funding can be used for store acquisition, repair, refurbishing property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.

Stadelman calls on local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship grants

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, September 08, 2026 02:35 PM

ROCKFORD — To strengthen the workforce pipeline in the Rockford region and connect more local residents with good-paying careers in the construction and building trades, State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging community-based organizations in the 34^th District to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Rockford and the surrounding communities have a strong tradition of hard work, craftsmanship and opportunity, but we need to make sure local residents have the opportunity to be part of that future,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Pre-apprenticeship programs give people the skills, experience and support they need to enter the trades and build a career close to home. When we invest in our local workforce, we are investing in the strength and future of the entire Rockford region.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

Stadelman law strengthens orders of protection for Illinoisans

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, August 18, 2026 01:18 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that a survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”

More than 62,000 petitions for orders of protection were filed in Illinois last year, underscoring the importance of ensuring these legal safeguards remain effective and enforceable.

Stadelman announces over $100,000 in local literacy grants

Details: Category: News; Monday, August 17, 2026 03:19 PM

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ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is proud to announce over $100,000 in grant funding coming to the 34th District to support adult literacy programs.

“Supporting literacy is an investment in the skills and well-being of our neighbors,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will allow critical programs to remain accessible to the community.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

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