ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging drivers to take advantages of the Rockford-Central driver services facility’s drive-thru license plate sticker renewal.

“Many people have expressed concerns about waiting inside during the ongoing public health crisis to renew their license plate stickers or standing in long lines in the cold,” Stadelman said. “I’m happy to see that the secretary of state’s office is offering people a safer and easier way to renew their registrations through the drive-thru service.”

The facility will be open Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Credit cards and checks will be the only accepted forms of payment, and customers will be required to wear masks.

Illinoisans with access to the internet can also renew their vehicle registration stickers and benefit from other online services provided at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. All expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended until June 1, 2021.

“If you can, please try to renew your registration online” Stadelman said. “The more people who do, will mean quicker service for people who have to use the drive-thru service.”

Stadelman would also like to remind Rockford residents the federal government has extended the REAL ID deadline by one year. The new deadline is now Oct. 1, 2021.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting Rockford businesses who received financial assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Small businesses are part of the livelihood of the Rockford community,” Stadelman said. “They need all the additional grant money they can receive to keep their doors open, and I’m pleased the state remains committed to communities like Rockford during these difficult times.”

A total of 45 Rockford-area small business have received more   than $1 million in combined assistance throughout the second round of BIG funding. The Rockford area received nearly $2 million in grants during the first round, which ranged from $10,000 to $20,000. Each business was awarded between $5,000 to $150,000 to help with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, and another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19.

“As the pandemic continues and more businesses struggle, it is important they know there is assistance available,” Stadelman said. “Businesses must be given the capital they need to continue to navigate this pandemic with the winter months quickly approaching.”

The additional five Rockford-area businesses who received grants this week are as follows:

〈 Jason M Grinters Dds Pc Onsite Dental: $135,000
〈 Evergreen Warehouse: $20,000
〈 Rockford Area Arts Council: $65,000
〈 Anderson Japanese Gardens: $55,000
〈 Rockford Staybridge Inn and Suites: $150,000

There is still additional funding available. To apply for assistance visit the DCEO Website. 

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting that Midway Village & Museum Center, Discovery      Center Museum of Rockford, Harry and Della Burpee Museum Association and Winnebago County will receive more than $1      Million in combined grants to improve their facilities and develop      new exhibits.

"Museums tell a story about the past, and remembering our past is crucial for shaping our present and future,” Stadelman said. “Learning about our state’s history is an important part of being an Illinoisan, and I’m glad more people will have that opportunity because of this funding.”

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the state’s multi-year capital program, is open to any museum operated by local government or located on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for the projects announced Wednesday was $750,000 and matching funds are required in many cases based on museum attendance levels.

“The Discovery Center, Burpee and Midway Village Museums attract thousands of visitors each year,” Stadelman said. “This grant program is making an investment in the Rockford community, which will spark economic growth in our community.”

More information on the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is available on the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/Museum-Capital-Grants.aspx.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is urging local fire departments to apply for The Office of the State      Fire Marshal’s Small Equipment Grant program.

“This is another great opportunity for local fire departments and ambulance services to continue to best serve our community,” Stadelman said. “As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, additional funding for our first responders is needed more than ever to help keep them safe.”

All interested departments should send an application to OSFM no later than January 29, 2021. OSFM will award $3.3 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services during this application period. The program was created to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“Our local first responders need additional PPE to do their jobs safely, and these grants will help secure those supplies,” Stadelman said. “We need to make sure they stay as safe and healthy as possible, so they can continue to do the life saving work we all benefit from every single day.”

The purpose of the program is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. In addition to firefighting personal protective equipment, applicants can also apply for personal infection control items such as masks, gowns and gloves.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply. In addition, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are also eligible.

Additional information including the application can be found on the OSFM’s website.