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.

Stadelman highlights second round of Businesses Interruption Grants

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging small business owners across Rockford and nearby areas that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Small businesses support thousands of families across the state, especially in communities like Rockford,” Stadelman said. “These businesses need this funding to stay afloat, and I’m thrilled to see the state is continuing to do everything possible to help our small business community.”

The second round of BIG funding builds on the more than $49 million in grants awarded statewide in August. The Rockford area received nearly $2 million in grants during the first round, which ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 to assist businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.

The second round of grants is intended to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate, including the Rockford area. They include $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, event spaces located at banquet halls and hotels, and more. $70 million has been set aside for disproportionately impacted communities that have been the most economically distressed and vulnerable to COVID-19.

“The first round of these grants are supporting dozens of businesses in my community,” Stadelman said. “This round will help ensure additional businesses are given the tools needed to navigate through the backend of this pandemic.”

To promote equity in the program, priority for grant funding will be given to small businesses with 50 employees or fewer, women and minority-owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, and inherently essential businesses – like grocery stores – in economically distressed areas. DCEO has created a list of impacted zip codes to help determine eligibility of project location, found here.