ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman praised Monday’s announcement that the historic Rockford Brake Manufacturing factory is reopening following an Economic Development for Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement – bringing $6.6 million and 150 new job opportunities to the Rockford region.

“This announcement highlights a welcome return on public investment in our workforce and emphasizes the importance of the automotive industry in Rockford’s economy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This investment enables the Rockford Brake Manufacturing company to revitalize their machinery and take part in the growing commercial vehicle industry.”

Together with state incentives and the efforts of four former employees of Gunite Corporation, a new business was established to save Rockford Brake Manufacturing by purchasing the 619,000-square-foot idled factory and relaunching operations. The company received an EDGE for Startups tax credit and has committed to making $6.6 million investment and creating 150 new full-time jobs, including hiring employees from the original workforce.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $124,000 to support two local early childhood groups advance their efforts at strengthening children and families through their programs.

“We are working together with local community partners to provide children and families with the best early childhood learning and care opportunities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Early childhood programs are vital stepping stones for children, preparing them for a successful future. It is important that all communities have access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood services.”

In the 34^th District, Ready to Learn of Winnebago County’s Alignment Rockford and the Boone County Health Department’s Maternal Child Health Advisory Council will see a total of $124,000 to support early childhood services.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $127 million to build and repair infrastructure in Northern Illinois.

“This is an investment into our communities, ensuring residents have access to the best local and state roads, bridges and overall means of travel,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Continuing these essential investments improves the longevity of our infrastructure and facilitates better access between communities.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to stifle free speech and Nexstar Media Group's complicity by not airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! He is available to meet reporters at Sedgewick Drive and Inner Circle Drive, immediately north of the WTVO-17 News studio, for interviews this afternoon:

"I'm extremely disappointed with Nexstar Corporation, owner of the local ABC affiliate WTVO-TV.

"Even though ABC's parent corporation Walt Disney allowed Jimmy Kimmel to return to his late-night show last night, it was not seen on ABC stations owned by Nexstar, including in Rockford.