ROCKFORD – To further economic development and transportation in Northern Illinois, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that passenger rail service from Rockford and Belvidere to Chicago is underway in an exciting step for the region.

“Restoring passenger rail service to Chicago will be a game-changer for Rockford and Belvidere,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This will spur economic development across Northern Illinois, and I am excited to see what is to come for the 34^th District.”

Illinois has selected Metra to operate the railway to Rockford from Chicago. The current Milwaukee District West Line will be extended from Elgin to Rockford with stops at Huntley and Belvidere.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to expand consumer protections for renters in smaller buildings was signed into law today, making it more difficult for landlords to withhold security deposits.

“With this law, we are extending transparency to all renters,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law will ensure everyone has the same protections when renting.”

Currently, landlords can withhold security deposits for tenants in buildings with five units or more as long as they provide an itemized statement of damages within 30 days after a tenant moves out. For those living in a building with five or fewer units, a withheld security deposit does not require a statement explaining why and listing the damages incurred.

Senate Bill 1741 removes this limitation.

“If a renter does not get their security deposit back, they at least deserve an explanation from their landlord,” Stadelman said. “We want to prevent landlords from abusing the law by withholding security deposits without tenants ever knowing why. I am proud to see this legislation signed into law and will continue to fight for consumer protections for Illinois residents.”

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ROCKFORD -- State Senator Steve Stadelman kicked of his Summer Book Club today by reading "I Promise" by LeBron James to 40 students in the Summer Enrichment Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford -Fairgrounds Unit.

Friday marked the end of the first week of the Fairgrounds enrichment program, where experienced teachers focus on building math and reading skills through small group lessons, hands-on activities and interactive Chromebook challenges.

Stadelman's book club encourages students in the 34th legislative district that he represents to read eight books over the summer. Those who accomplish the challenge are invited to celebrate at an August 11 pizza party at Fairgrounds, where Stadelman again will read to children.

Stadelman is basing his book club at Fairgrounds for a second summer, having previously partnered with the Rockford Public Library Montague Branch.

To join Stadelman's challenge, families should obtain a brochure on SenatorStadelman.com or at public libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley or Belvidere. The brochure contains a slip for parents or guardians to sign, naming the eight books their child read.

Floating boat docks funded through State Senator Steve Stadelman officially opened for public use today as Stadelman also announceed he has secured an additional $250,000 to build a multi-use path as part of his total financial commitment of $3.7 million toward redevelopment of Davis Park.

"The opening of the boat docks is the first step to transforming Davis Park into a vibrant gathering spot that capitalizes on the riverfront and its proximity to other public and private investments downtown, especially Embassy Suites," said Stadelman, who joined Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara for a dockside news conference and ribbon-cutting. "A strong downtown is essential to the economic growth of the entire Rockford region.”

Stadelman dedicated $450,000 of Rebuild Illinois capital funds to purchase and install the docks this year and another $3 million to the overall project. An additional $500,000 competitive state grant was awarded to pay for construction of a canopy stage and outdoor concert venue.

During the state's annual budgeting process, Stadelman secured another $250,000 for a multi-use path connecting the Rails-to-Trails bridge south of the park with a path under the Chestnut Street bridge that connects to the connects to the south end of the Rock River Path at the Whitman Street bridge. Total state investment in redeveloping Davis Park so far comes to $4.2 million.

The canopy stage and multi-use path are among elements of the project that are planned for 2024. Other aspects of the redevelopment include a pedestrian plaza, food truck court, native gardens, an urban beach and splashpad, skatepark and possibly an outdoor ice-skating attraction.

Conversion of the long-vacant Amerock industrial building into a luxury hotel was made possible in part by legislation Stadelman sponsored to offer tax credits for refurbishing historic property.

"All of these features enhance the downtown experience, improve the quality of life for residents and attract tourists who spend money that supports small businesses," Stadelman said. "I'm proud to be able to deliver a majority of the funding for this piece of the puzzle, and I will continue to work to rebuild our downtown."