State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) spoke with Brian Mackey of Illinois Public Media last week on the importance of access to local journalism in Illinois and how the Journalism Task Force will work to assist local news outlets across Illinois.

“If people don’t get the information they need of what’s going on around their town, they won’t be able to make educated decisions for their area,” Stadelman said. “This task force is here to begin the discussion of how we can strengthen access to local journalism throughout Illinois and provide news and information to underserved communities.”

In the interview, Stadelman talks about how journalism has been impacted throughout the nation in the closure of newspapers across the country. Action is needed to help supply communities with local information. Stadelman believes local journalism is the backbone of this kind of support for communities.

You can listen to the whole conversation here.

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) led his colleagues in passing the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, a historic measure to preserve and create jobs in Illinois and incentivize electric vehicle manufacturers to create more jobs in the state.

“This is a massive field that has so much room to grow, and we want to encourage these companies to set up shop in Illinois,” Stadelman said. “Many regions will see this as an economic opportunity that could bring jobs to residents and make a lasting impact on their community.”

The new measure would provide a tax credit for manufacturers of electronic vehicles, parts, and power supplies. Businesses in underserved areas would be eligible for a larger benefit.

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Senator Stadelman launches new constituent survey

ROCKFORD – Since joining the General Assembly, Senator Steve Stadelman has sponsored dozens of bills that came to his office      by constituents. To continue serving the evolving needs of the people of Rockford and beyond, he launched a new online survey for people to share their input.

“My top priority is making sure people’s voices are heard,” Stadelman said. “I encourage people who want to participate in      the political process to fill out the survey and tell me what you would like to see me work on in Springfield.”

Topics cover government accountability, job growth, prioritization of the budget, and infrastructure.

The survey can be found here as well as on senatorstadelman.com on the sidebar. To offer additional feedback, people can contact Stadelman’s office by calling (815) 987-7557.

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ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging local businesses struggling from the pandemic to apply to the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before tomorrow’s deadline.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used in a variety of ways to cover costs, such as staff and overhead expenses.

 “Following a financially rough year of pandemic-related losses, small businesses need our help,” Stadelman said. “Don’t wait – the deadline to apply for these business-saving grants is around the corner. Apply today.”

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