ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Illinois Gaming Board voted 4-0 to approve 815 Entertainment and Hard Rock for a permanent casino in Rockford.

“This is a day many in the Rockford area have been waiting for since the legislature approved an expansion of casino licenses two years ago,” Stadelman said. “As we’ve seen with the recently opened temporary casino, the new Hard Rock casino will create more tourism and economic development in the area.”

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ROCKFORD – Several local businesses in and around Rockford were recently awarded $1.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford).

“The pandemic has caused businesses around the state to struggle over the last two years, especially our local and small businesses,” Stadelman said. “These grants give meaningful assistance to Rockford businesses that have worked tirelessly to remain on their feet as we continue our recovery from the pandemic.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Stadelman – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Sen. Stadelman represents, 36 businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to help them cover the costs of safely remaining open during these unpredictable times. Businesses range from restaurants to museums, hotels and more.

ROCKFORD –Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) to provide assistance to local libraries for pandemic recovery, two libraries in the district he represents will receive nearly $75,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services.

“Libraries have been a valued resource for continued education, growth, and community development throughout the pandemic,” Stadelman said. “This grant program provides the resources needed for libraries to ensure residents are connected to these tools.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased that the Education Design Development and Research Corporation (EDDR) Foundation will receive a $400,000 investment toward pre-apprenticeship programs.

“This investment will provide the EDDR Foundation with the support necessary to further provide pre-apprenticeship training and wraparound support for its participants, while creating a larger space for those who have been underrepresented in the construction industry,” Stadelman said. “I am excited to see the ways Rockford will prosper because of it.”