ROCKFORD – Local restaurants and hotels in and around Rockford will receive $1,228,157.04 in funding through the Back to Business grant program to help facilitate their recovery thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“We are still feeling the impact around the state from the troublesome years of the pandemic,” Stadelman (D-Rockford) said. “Through this program we have delivered funding to businesses around the state in an effort to bounce back from the pandemic, and with today’s investment, we are showing local restaurants that Illinois has their back.”

“Words alone can’t describe how much relief this B2B Grant Award means for us!  It’s a much needed lifeline that will help us get thru these ever changing times and tough challenges we face as small business operators.” Anthony DiTullio, owner of DiTullio’s said. “We’re so grateful to be a recipient of this State of Illinois, DCEO Grant Award Partnership Program with Senator Stadelman.”

Restaurants and hotels in and around the Rockford area receiving Back to Business grants include:

People who are eligible to have their criminal records sealed or expunged can obtain a free attorney to prepare their case for review by a judge during State Senator Steve Stadelman's 2023 Second Chances Summit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 13 at the Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford.

Stadelman will announce the opening of registration at a news conference Sunday. To sign up for the free legal consultation, visit www.senatorstadelman.com.

SECOND CHANCES SUMMIT 2023

News Conference

1:30 PM SUNDAY AUGUST 13

EJ Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St., Rockford (Lower Level Atrium)

More than 300 people met one-on-one with volunteer attorneys during the previous summits in 2022, 2019 and 2018. Stadelman's office receives requests to repeat the event on a regular basis, but attempts in 2020 and 2021 were called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Many well-meaning men and women in our community find that a past transgression, often from their youth, prevents them from obtaining living-wage employment and adequately supporting themselves and their families,” Stadelman said. "Illinois law allows people who meet certain criteria to seek judicial relief, and we all benefit as a result.”

Retired 17^th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Rosemary Collins and an attorney for event partner Prairie State Legal Services will join Stadelman at the news conference. Collins, who volunteered at last year’s summit, will encourage local attorneys to contribute their time and expertise. Prairie State provides free event training that volunteer attorneys can use toward the state's continuing education requirements for lawyers.

Interested attorneys can enroll in the training session online at www.senatorstadelman.com or by calling 815-985-2902.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that the Illinois Gaming Board has approved a sportsbook at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford.

“Sports betting has become more popular in the last couple of years, and this will make the Hard Rock Casino a more attractive entertainment draw for the region,” Stadelman (D-Rockford) said. “Keeping the business in Illinois and in Rockford specifically gives residents the new opportunity to participate in sports betting locally and gives our area more economic opportunities.”

The IGB also granted more than 230 new gaming licenses and related approvals, including the Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s license and a sports wagering management service provider license.

Casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering generated more than $1.4 billion in tax revenue to the state and local communities in calendar year 2022.

“I am looking forward to seeing more people at the Hard Rock Casino and am excited for the entertainment opportunities coming to Rockford,” Stadelman said. “Millions of dollars in casino revenue goes to local governments and organizations providing services to the community, and this is a win for Rockford.”

ROCKFORD – Illinois’ smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Steve Stadelman will bring more than $598 million to the 34^th District as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois.

“Our roadways have gone unimproved and unattended for too long, and with these funds we can expect to see some major improvements to roadways across the district,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The investments coming to the greater Rockford community are exactly what our infrastructure needs.”

The latest part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois will bring $598,528,000 to the district Stadelman represents, totaling 82 different projects over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects in the 34^th District include:

• Bridge reconstruction and improvements to the US 20 Bypass at I-39
• Reconstruction and additions along I-39 from Harrison Avenue to Mill Road
• Reconstruction and roadway repair along U.S. Business 20 from Avon Street to East State Street