SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would create a commission to make a statewide network of new and existing passenger rail lines a reality passed committee on Tuesday.

“This measure would create a commission to help make a statewide network of high-speed rail services a reality,” Stadelman said. “Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state.”

The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.

“Connecting Rockford to Chicago through rail has always been one of my top priories,” Stadelman said. “Investing in a network like this would further expand travel opportunities for the residents of Rockford and the rest of the state.”

The commission would also be tasked with producing an annual report for the General Assembly on potential plans for a high-speed rail line between Chicago and St. Louis, with connections to the cities of Rockford, Moline, Peoria and Decatur. The final goal is to modernize and integrate all train systems in Illinois into one connected high-speed rail network.

House Bill 399 passed the Senate Transportation Committee without opposition and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is commending a program to make receiving the COVID-19 vaccine more convenient for office workers in Rockford.

“It doesn’t get any more convenient than having the vaccine available at your workplace,” Stadelman said. “I acknowledge getting vaccinated is an incredibly personal decision, but I hope more people will get the vaccine when it’s so convenient.”

The program will initially be offered at 10 sites in Chicago, Schaumburg and Rockford. The state is partnering with the Building Owners and Managers Association and local unions to encourage front desk staff, custodial workers, security, building engineers and other employees to sign up for an appointment in advance.

The clinics offer two-dose vaccinations and will also take walk-ins.

Beginning in mid-May, the following buildings in Rockford will be included in the first wave of the program:

• 308 W. State Street, Rockford

• 1111 S. Alpine Road, Rockford

Dates and times will be promoted in advance, which will be scheduled around shift changes to allow more workers to take advantage of this opportunity.

Rockford building operators interested in hosting additional clinics are encouraged to contact the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Building Owners and Managers Association.

LOVES PARK - After being closed for three summers, Sand Park Pool will reopen June 12, in large part because State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $260,000 to make critical repairs and upgrades.

The public pool shut down in 2018 when the Rockford Park District could neither afford nor further delay deferred maintenance that included concert repairs and replacement of filters and chemical controls. At the same time, environmental remediation was about to begin on the former Sand Park landfill site, including the conversion of a sledding hill and golf driving range into a nature preserve.

Senator Stadelman dedicated $260,000 in ReBuild Illinois capital funds for the needed repairs to save the pool as a summertime recreational opportunity for Loves Park families. Besides the pool repairs, state funds awarded through Stadelman also are paying or will pay for LED lighting, new motors for water slides in "Penguin Pond" wading pool and oversized, permanent "funbrellas" to offer shade.

"Sand Park Pool is one of many Rockford Park District amenities that improve our quality of life and make our region an attractive place to live," Stadelman said. "I believe investing in our recreational infrastructure is a smart use of state resources."

Stadelman recently pledged $2.5 million in capital funds at his disposal to help address $6 million in deferred maintenance that had threatened to permanently close Riverview Ice House in downtown Rockford, among other Park District initiatives for which he has obtained financing since taking office in 2012.

Sand Park was scheduled to reopen in 2020, but COVID-19 prevention required the Park District to close all three of its public pools last season. The other two, Alpine and Harkins, are scheduled to open June 19. All three will require online reservations for two-hour blocks of time.

"Reopening of Sand Park and our other public pools signals, I hope, a return to normalcy this summer despite the ongoing global pandemic -- or at least a big step in that direction," Stadelman said. "It's an opportunity for kids and families to get outdoors and enjoy summer activities that has been sorely missed in Loves Park."

SPRINGFIELD – A measure co-sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would support investment in downtown Rockford passed the Illinois Senate.

“Since the River Edge Historic Tax Credit was created, the city of Rockford has experienced economic growth and significant restoration,” Stadelman said. “This extension will allow these investments to continue and further revitalize Rockford.”

Rockford has seen a significant amount of new development, largely due to the River Edge Historic Tax Credit Program, which gives a state income-tax credit to the owners of historic structures matching 25% of rehabilitation project costs.

“This tax credit has brought life to many historic buildings, which helps boost property values in the area,” Stadelman said. “I hope to see this program continue to bring in more successful projects, like the Embassy Suites Hotel downtown.”

The historic Ziock/Amerock building where the hotel is located had been vacant for over 25 years before the restoration project supported by the River Edge Historic Tax Credit Program took place.

Originally set to expire at the end of 2021, the legislation would continue the River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit through the end of 2026. The tax credit has also helped revitalize parts of Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin and Peoria.

Other examples of projects made possible by the program are Prairie Street Brewhouse, the Rockford Trust Building, Midtown Lofts and the Handley Building, all located downtown.

Senate Bill 157 passed the Illinois Senate and now awaits further consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives.