Stadelman urges child care providers to apply for financial assistance

ROCKFORD — As parents continue to return to in-office work, they’re relying on child care providers more than ever. At the same time, many of those providers struggling to keep afloat during the      COVID-19 pandemic.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is urging Rockford area child care providers facing financial struggles due to          COVID-19 to apply for the next round of Business Interruption Grants to help them remain open and provide more options for parents.

“An unprecedented number of parents are looking for child care providers with so many students doing hybrid or remote learning. Unfortunately, these providers were some of the hardest hit businesses due to the pandemic.” Stadelman said. “Now, their demand is higher than ever, which is why I’m urging providers to apply for these grants. They need to keep their doors open, and parents need safe places to take their kids.”

More than $150 million in grants were awarded to 4,686 child care providers across 95 counties during the first round of BIG grants earmarked for child care. Nearly half of the funds was given to providers in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Additional care facilities have continued to face financial hardships, leading the state to open a second round of BIG grants specifically for child care. During the second wave, $114 million will be available for child care centers and family child care homes that are licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services and currently open.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Rockford community,” Stadelman said. “We need them to succeed.”

Applications for the Child Care Restoration Grants are available until Oct. 15 and can be found here.

All other businesses can apply for BIG grants here.

Stadelman announces millions in digital grants for Rockford area schools

ROCKFORD - Rockford area schools are set to receive nearly $2 million in grants to improve students’ access to remote learning technology, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced today.

“In the time of COVID-19, hybrid and remote learning models have been put in place to protect students, staff members, and their families,” Stadelman said. “This funding will help provide everyone with the resources they need to during these challenging times.”

Digital Equity Formula Grants, funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, are intended to help schools bridge the digital divide and offer students more reliable access to the technology they need to participate in e-learning. School districts can use the funds to expand connectivity and provide students with devices like computers or tablets.

Grants were awarded to districts across the state, including 2 school districts in the 34th State Senate District:

• Rockford Public Schools 205 - $1,519,985
• Harlem School District 122 - $388,399

Funding was distributed using a need-based formula. The full list of schools receiving funds is available on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.

Stadelman recognized as environmental champion

ROCKFORD – The Illinois Environmental Council released its first ever Lifetime Environmental Scorecard debuting each sitting legislator’s average score of all votes cast on environmental legislation in the General Assembly over the course of their legislative careers. State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) has been honored with a 91.2 environmental score.

“I’m proud of my record on environmental issues. Making sure we all have clean air to breath and and clean water to drink is imperative, “Stadelman said. “Continuing to protect our environment and the health and safety of the Rockford residents’ area always be a priority of mine.”

The Illinois environmental community has released an annual legislative scorecard since the 1970’s, with a percentage score to each lawmaker based on how they voted during session.

“Senator Steve Stadelman earned top marks for their lifetime pro-environmental voting record, using their power as a state legislator to protect and defend the people and environment in the district they represent,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Senator Stadelman is an environmental champion in the General Assembly, and the Illinois Environmental Council applauds their career-long legacy of protecting our environment in Illinois.”

A total of 64 state legislators received recognition for scoring 90% or higher over the course of their legislative careers. IEC releases its scorecard in late summer of each year.

Stadelman announces Chicago-Rockford passenger rail moving into next phase

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced today that his push to restore passenger rail between Rockford and Chicago is gaining speed now that the Illinois Department of Transportation has reached an agreement to hire a project manager.

“Passenger rail service to and from Chicago holds tremendous potential for economic growth and enhanced quality of life in the Rockford area," Stadelman said. "People across northern Illinois      are excited about the prospect of a rail link with Chicago, and I      think it’s important to keep everyone fully informed and to include      as much public input as possible."

Under the contract, WSP USA assumes responsibility for managing the project overall with the ability to hire other companies as subcontractors to complete the work. IDOT, meanwhile, has begun discussions with key stakeholders including host railroads Metra and Union Pacific to determine the necessary improvements to bring passenger rail back to Rockford.

"A strong passenger rail network is a cornerstone of our commitment to building and maintaining a safe, reliable multimodal system of transportation that serves all residents throughout our state,” Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said.

With the WSP USA agreement in place, preliminary engineering and environmental analysis are among the next steps before final design and construction. IDOT will negotiate construction and maintenance agreements with Union Pacific and Metra.

Stadelman secured $275 million in funding for the rail project as part of the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program. A spokesperson for IDOT said the project is fortunate to have avoided delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic.