Stadelman announces additional funding for Rockford youth employment program

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker today to announce the expansion   of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, creating additional employment opportunities for underserved youth in the Rockford area.

“This is an extremely important program. It gives these kids the opportunity to connect with each other and learn new working experience to prepare them for future careers,” Stadelman said. “This program can help level the playing field. It focuses on low-income kids in the community, giving them an opportunity they      may have not otherwise had.”

The program will employ young adults between June and August 2020, helping them train for and find work despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred young adults in the Rockford area will be employed by the Rockford Park District.

“It’s great to see the impact our summer youth program is making here in Rockford,” Pritzker said. “Providing the start of careers and learning essential skills is a whole new level of impact for our youth.”

The Rockford Park District is placing youth employees in age, ability, and experience appropriate work-based learning opportunities, while offering career development. Available jobs incorporate nearly all areas of park district operations, including Lockwood Park, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and five public golf courses.

The Rockford Park District is one of 30 youth employment providers and will receive $500,000 to employ 100 area youth over the next three months.

 Stadelman encouraging small businesses to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program

ROCKFORD – The federal government has extended the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging local business owners to apply for the PPP and other forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration.

“Businesses across Illinois, especially small businesses, continue to need immediate support in order to survive this economic downturn and keep employees on their payroll,” Stadelman said. “I encourage any small businesses owner in need to apply for this program. Any funds spent on preserving our work force now will save us all money in the future.”

To help provide financial support to businesses, the Federal Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration extended the application period for the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses can get up to $10 million in relief funding through the first come, first served program. Under the extended deadline, businesses must apply by Aug. 8.

The financial lifeline helps employers keep people on the payroll and pay overhead expenses. If used as intended, the loans don’t have to be repaid.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans – saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs – according to the Small Business Administration.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if they are used for payroll costs, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages.

To find participating lenders, business owners and managers can visit the Small Business Administration’s website, found here.

Stadelman announces state broadband investment in Rockford area

ROCKFORD – Rockford and Winnebago County will receive state and private funding to expand broadband internet to underserved residents as part of the state’s Illinois Connected Communities    Grant Program. State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), who helped create the program, was pleased to see Rockford benefit from the first round of grants.

“One thing we’ve all learned during the pandemic is that access to broadband internet is a necessity,” Stadelman said. “Without reliable internet access, children can’t participate in e-learning, you can’t work from home, and you can’t easily access important services provided by the government and private companies.”

The program is directing $150,000 in small grants to 12 community and local government partners to develop plans to ensure access to high-speed broadband in their communities. The state grants will be paired with $150,000 in philanthropic matching funds. Together, these investments will help lay the groundwork for Connect Illinois, a $400 million broadband expansion program authorized by the General Assembly. Stadelman supported House Bill 62, which created the broadband program.

The Region 1 Planning Council, which is a regional government agency representing Northern Illinois, including Rockford and Winnebago County, is one of the 12 groups included in the first round of grant recipients.

The goal of Connect Illinois is to ensure that every Illinois resident has at least basic internet access by 2024.

“Internet access has become a basic utility, like electricity, water, or telephone service,” Stadelman said. “Whether you live in an urban neighborhood or country town, you can’t fully participate in today’s economy without the internet.”

Stadelman reminds drivers to be cautious of buckling pavement

ROCKFORD – In anticipation of extreme summer heat across Illinois, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) reminds  drivers to remain alert, expect slowdowns and be cautious of pavement buckling on roads.

“We all know the heat during the summer months can cause health issues and increase the risk of buckling pavement on our roads,” Stadelman said. “I’m asking Rockford residents to simply be more mindful of this when they take to the roads, and if they see any unsafe buckling to report it to roadway officials.”

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, pavement failures or blowouts occur when prolonged high temperatures cause the road to expand and buckle up or blow out, resulting in uneven driving surfaces. Precipitation and humidity increase the potential for buckling.

Stadelman is also reminding drivers to slow down and be cautious of construction workers when present.

Pavement failures can be reported to IDOT by calling 800-452-4368 or by reaching out to law enforcement via 911.