ROCKFORD – With an announcement Wednesday by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, local park and recreation projects throughout Illinois are being awarded grants and State Senator Steve Stadelman is pleased to share that the Villages of New Milford and Machesney Park are receiving more than $500,000 each for land acquisition and recreational development.

“Revitalizing our parks and recreational spaces means making big investments in our green spaces and ensuring equitable access to the luxuries they provide,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “I look forward to the investments in New Milford and Machesney Park and am excited to see these new additions coming to our local parks.”

The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program. In addition, for the first time in the history of the program, funding will cover 10 percent of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities, resulting in 22 underserved locations receiving OSLAD grants.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced a $250 million investment from the ‘Smart Start Illinois’ program will be coming to children, families, teachers and child care providers across Illinois including the Nashold Early Childhood Center in Rockford.

“Continuing to grow access to quality and affordable child care is essential for bettering the lives of our children and students, while allowing families the freedom to continue work,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “It’s important to set kids up early for success, and with these investments into child care centers like Nashold, we can continue to assist our communities with growing, learning and developing.”

Smart Start Illinois demonstrates the state’s ongoing commitment to children, families, teachers, and child care providers. The $250 million investment in FY24 includes $75 million additional for the Early Childhood Block Grant, $130 million for nation-leading Childcare Workforce Compensation Contracts, $40 million for Early Intervention programs, and $5 million to expand the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Home Visiting Program so more families who want it can receive this early support.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the budget address given by Gov. JB Pritzker today, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to hear Gov. Pritzker’s proposed budget prioritizes a commitment to economic development in struggling communities around the state.

“Our area has experienced a long and challenging recovery on the route back to normalcy. This budget ensures our struggling communities get the relief they need and will help them work toward restoring economic prosperity for working families.

“This budget invests $400 million in job creation and business development efforts across Illinois through the Invest in Illinois Act, and I look forward to helping our local businesses who are in need of help access these opportunities.

“In the upcoming months, I am excited to join my colleagues to negotiate a budget that works for all Illinoisans, provides avenues for our communities to see funds return and support our residents who need help the most.”

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$900,000 in construction work begins next week at state park

ROCKFORD -- Road and parking lot reconstruction, new bicycle lanes and directional signage are among improvements the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will begin making at Rock Cut State Park next week, according to Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman.

"Rock Cut has long been one of the most visited, if not the most visited, tourist site in our region. Because of its popularity and high visibility," Stadelman said, "it is imperative the state re-invest in and refresh this important public asset."

The project also includes culvert replacement and the addition of disabled access to the children's fishing pond.