Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman

Stadelman announces $100,000 investment in Rockford-area tourism

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, October 07, 2026 12:57 PM

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced Rockford and Winnebago counties are receiving a $100,000 investment to promote the region as a destination for visitors, support efforts to increase overnight stays and back the region’s signature events.

“Rockford has no shortage of events, attractions and experiences that give people a reason to visit,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This investment will help us get the word out and bring more visitors to our community, while supporting the hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses that benefit from a strong tourism industry.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $4.6 million in new grant funding to 49 tourism organizations supporting special projects across the state, international tourism efforts and initiatives along Route 66.

Stadelman encourages 34th District families to apply for energy assistance

Details: Category: Press Releases; Monday, October 05, 2026 08:14 AM

ROCKFORD – With energy costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets, State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging eligible families in the 34^th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“As energy and household costs continue to put pressure on families nationwide, making sure people can keep their homes warm and their lights on is essential,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “LIHEAP provides critical assistance to families who are struggling with utility costs, and I encourage eligible residents to take advantage of this program and the support it provides.”

The LIHEAP program utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

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.

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