Stadelman says $5.5 million in site-readiness grants will draw businesses to Rockford and Belvidere

SPRINGFIELD -- Rockford and Belvidere are receiving $5.5 million in Illinois site-readiness grants that State Senator Steve Stadelman helped secure, he announced today.

Rockford will get almost $2,5 million for road construction and water main installation near the IL-2 and US-20 interchange. In Rockford, the investment is intended to attract industrial development to the area near Chicago-Rockford International Airport. 

Belvidere's award of nearly $3 million will be used to extend water and sewer to a 137-acre site on Chrysler Drive east of the Stellantis auto plant.

"These projects are critical to increasing the state's industrial and infrastructure attraction while helping secure future investments," Stadelman said. "I am thrilled to see the Regional Site Readiness Program come to life, and I am optimistic about the positive impact it will have on our local economies and the job opportunities it will provide for individuals across the state."

Stadelman reacts to Stellantis announcement

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman today issued the following statement regarding Stellantis' announcement about the future of the Belvidere Assembly Plant:

"I'm pleased to see Stellantis reaffirm its commitment to build a new, mid-size truck at the Belvidere Assembly Plant. State and local officials worked tirelessly to reopen the iconic manufacturing facility. I'm proud to have sponsored legislation that incentivized Stellantis' decision, and I look forward to workers being back on the job and the regional economy receiving a big boost."

Over $100,000 investment coming to 34th District thanks to Stadelman

ROCKFORD – Following a competitive application process, the Winnebago County Health Department has been chosen to receive a Health Equity Zone grant to support its efforts to improve health outcomes for Rockford residents, thanks to funding secured by State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Early intervention for mental health conditions and fighting stigma is essential if we are to successfully mitigate the mental health crisis many people in our community are experiencing,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will allow the Winnebago County Health Department to address these root causes, resulting in improved health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.”

Health Equity Zone grants – made possible by funding Stadelman strongly supported in last year’s state budget – invest in programs designed to reverse historic health disparities in Illinois communities. The program is part of the Healthy Illinois 2028 state health improvement plan and state health assessment, which are multi-step plans designed to address root causes of public health crises, including underinvestment, inaccessibility of care, and racism towards prospective patients.

The Winnebago County Health Department has been awarded $118,000 in HEZ grant funding to expand its Community of Concern workgroup. This workgroup addresses health disparities around mental and behavioral health impacting a vulnerable community area in Rockford. With this funding, the COC will work to improve mental health through prevention and early intervention, including improving access to self-care, decreasing stigma associated with mental health conditions, and building community resilience.

“We are excited for the opportunity to address mental and behavioral health through a public health lens and improve health equity in our community,” said Dr. Sandra Martell, public health administrator for the Winnebago County Health Department.

To learn more about HEZ grants, click here.

Stadelman sworn in during 104th General Assembly inauguration

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“It is always an honor to take the oath of office and serve the people of the greater Rockford region. I will continue efforts to boost our economy, increase access to health care and education and improve the lives of people in the 34th Senate District and throughout the state.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we tackle Illinois’ problems and look for solutions. I'll continue listening and fighting for the people of the Rockford area and ensure their voice is heard in Springfield.”