ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is urging local business owners to take advantage of changes to the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which are meant to make the program more accessible to smaller businesses.

“The PPP program has been able to help keep many Rockford businesses afloat during these unprecedented times,” Stadelman said. “If you’re a sole proprietor or an independent contractor who did not qualify prior to these changes, I’m encouraging you to check again.”

The federal government recently improved the program’s formula used to calculate loans, making it easier for sole proprietors, independent contractors, and the self-employed to qualify for relief. It also established that student loan debt and prior incarceration will no longer prevent small business owners from obtaining relief.

“If you have a business with less than 20 employees, I’m urging you to apply as soon as possible,” Stadelman said. “The special window for these businesses to apply is only two weeks, so now is the time.”

The federal government has created a special window where only applications from businesses with less than 20 employees will be processed. It opened Feb. 24 and extends for two weeks.

More information about the PPP program, including how to apply, is available on the Small Business Administration’s website.

ROCKFORD – With the state’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting a commitment made by the state to grant $772,000 in funding for a shovel ready construction project in downtown Rockford on Thursday.

“The redevelopment of downtown Rockford benefits the entire region,” Stadelman said. “The project next to the new library uses prime riverfront property, with a mix of dining, retail and residential space that promises to appeal to a diverse crowd.”

The project, funded through the Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program, is set to prepare an underutilized site located at 227 N. Wyman in Rockford for redevelopment, with project activities including architectural engineering, site preparation and improvement.

The grant will help support Bush construction, the company developing the six-story riverfront property next to the new downtown Rockford Public Library with space for a restaurant, retail shops, and apartment units.

"I'm excited this project is shovel-ready and now will be supported with Rebuild Illinois funds,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to the opening of the new library campus.”

The Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program is part of Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement in response to Gov. Pritzker’s budget address:

The governor's proposed budget recognizes the realities of the state's fiscal situation. In these trying times, we need to make sure we take care of our most vulnerable. I was pleased to see additional resources to help the state provide unemployment benefits and meal delivery services for seniors. While I don't agree with every aspect of this plan, I believe it attempts to make the best out of a difficult situation.

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Illinois Gaming Board’s decision to preliminarily approve the Rockford Hardrock Casino Thursday:

“I’m pleased with the gaming board’s decision to preliminarily approve the Rockford Casino. This project will bring millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs to the greater Rockford area.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with the gaming board as we take another step forward in this process.”