SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the governor’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget address on Wednesday:

“We must pass a balanced budget this year that continues to set Illinois up for success. The governor’s proposal is a good starting point from which we can further develop into a solid budget that upholds our state’s priorities.

“I’m pleased to see the continued investments in education at all levels. Our students deserve access to quality resources and educational attainment. The $350 million increase for evidence-based funding in K-12 schools and the MAP grant increases for public higher education institutions continue to show Illinois’ commitment to bettering our educational system.

“I’m really excited to hear about the new program that aims to address vacant state properties like the former Singer Mental Health Center in Rockford. This land has been empty for years and the new Surplus to Success initiative would allow for the remediation of the site, in turn, creating more economic opportunity and development in the region.

“The state has seen many credit upgrades as a result of more responsible budgetary in recent years, and my hope is we can build this year’s budget on the foundation of the fiscally responsible decisions we have made before.

“People are counting on us to make common sense decisions in Springfield, and as budget negotiations go on, I’m going to advocate for smart spending so we can get to a place where the budget is fiscally sound, helps our economy and represents our needs."

SPRINGFIELD -- Rockford and Belvidere are receiving $5.5 million in Illinois site-readiness grants that State Senator Steve Stadelman helped secure, he announced today.

Rockford will get almost $2,5 million for road construction and water main installation near the IL-2 and US-20 interchange. In Rockford, the investment is intended to attract industrial development to the area near Chicago-Rockford International Airport. 

Belvidere's award of nearly $3 million will be used to extend water and sewer to a 137-acre site on Chrysler Drive east of the Stellantis auto plant.

"These projects are critical to increasing the state's industrial and infrastructure attraction while helping secure future investments," Stadelman said. "I am thrilled to see the Regional Site Readiness Program come to life, and I am optimistic about the positive impact it will have on our local economies and the job opportunities it will provide for individuals across the state."

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman today issued the following statement regarding Stellantis' announcement about the future of the Belvidere Assembly Plant:

"I'm pleased to see Stellantis reaffirm its commitment to build a new, mid-size truck at the Belvidere Assembly Plant. State and local officials worked tirelessly to reopen the iconic manufacturing facility. I'm proud to have sponsored legislation that incentivized Stellantis' decision, and I look forward to workers being back on the job and the regional economy receiving a big boost."

ROCKFORD – Following a competitive application process, the Winnebago County Health Department has been chosen to receive a Health Equity Zone grant to support its efforts to improve health outcomes for Rockford residents, thanks to funding secured by State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Early intervention for mental health conditions and fighting stigma is essential if we are to successfully mitigate the mental health crisis many people in our community are experiencing,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will allow the Winnebago County Health Department to address these root causes, resulting in improved health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.”

Health Equity Zone grants – made possible by funding Stadelman strongly supported in last year’s state budget – invest in programs designed to reverse historic health disparities in Illinois communities. The program is part of the Healthy Illinois 2028 state health improvement plan and state health assessment, which are multi-step plans designed to address root causes of public health crises, including underinvestment, inaccessibility of care, and racism towards prospective patients.

The Winnebago County Health Department has been awarded $118,000 in HEZ grant funding to expand its Community of Concern workgroup. This workgroup addresses health disparities around mental and behavioral health impacting a vulnerable community area in Rockford. With this funding, the COC will work to improve mental health through prevention and early intervention, including improving access to self-care, decreasing stigma associated with mental health conditions, and building community resilience.

“We are excited for the opportunity to address mental and behavioral health through a public health lens and improve health equity in our community,” said Dr. Sandra Martell, public health administrator for the Winnebago County Health Department.

To learn more about HEZ grants, click here.