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.”

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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

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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.

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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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