State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the      following statement on the state gaming board’s decision today to delay the Rockford Casino license:

“Frankly, I’m disappointed by the gaming board’s decision to delay their license decision another six months, I was hoping to see construction begin sooner rather than later,” Stadelman said. “As      the Senator representing Rockford, I will work with the mayor and      all other parties involved to do everything I can to make sure there isn’t another six-month delay. I’m tired of seeing dollars that could      be spent in Illinois to help pay for our schools, roads and other improvements being spent in Iowa and Wisconsin.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the second round of Business Interruption Grants the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding to Rockford businesses and other small business communities that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19-related losses and closures.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of my community,” Stadelman said. “They need this grant money to endure, and I’m happy the state continues to prioritize communities like Rockford in these          hard  times.”

Forty Rockford-area small business will receive a total of over $1 million in this second round of BIG funding, which builds on the more than $49 million in grants awarded statewide in August. The Rockford area received nearly $2 million in grants during the first round, which ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 to assist businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.

The second round of grants is intended to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located outside of the Chicago area, including the Rockford area. They include $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, event spaces located at banquet halls and hotels, and more. $70 million has been set aside for disproportionately impacted communities that have been the most economically distressed and vulnerable to COVID-19.

“The first round of these grants are supporting dozens of businesses in my community,” Stadelman said. “This round is ensuring additional businesses are given the resources they need to navigate through the pandemic as winter approaches.”

A list of grant recipients can be found here. To apply for assistance visit the DCEO Website.

ROCKFORD — As parents continue to return to in-office work, they’re relying on child care providers more than ever. At the same time, many of those providers struggling to keep afloat during the      COVID-19 pandemic.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is urging Rockford area child care providers facing financial struggles due to          COVID-19 to apply for the next round of Business Interruption Grants to help them remain open and provide more options for parents.

“An unprecedented number of parents are looking for child care providers with so many students doing hybrid or remote learning. Unfortunately, these providers were some of the hardest hit businesses due to the pandemic.” Stadelman said. “Now, their demand is higher than ever, which is why I’m urging providers to apply for these grants. They need to keep their doors open, and parents need safe places to take their kids.”

More than $150 million in grants were awarded to 4,686 child care providers across 95 counties during the first round of BIG grants earmarked for child care. Nearly half of the funds was given to providers in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Additional care facilities have continued to face financial hardships, leading the state to open a second round of BIG grants specifically for child care. During the second wave, $114 million will be available for child care centers and family child care homes that are licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services and currently open.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Rockford community,” Stadelman said. “We need them to succeed.”

Applications for the Child Care Restoration Grants are available until Oct. 15 and can be found here.

All other businesses can apply for BIG grants here.

ROCKFORD - Rockford area schools are set to receive nearly $2 million in grants to improve students’ access to remote learning technology, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced today.

“In the time of COVID-19, hybrid and remote learning models have been put in place to protect students, staff members, and their families,” Stadelman said. “This funding will help provide everyone with the resources they need to during these challenging times.”

Digital Equity Formula Grants, funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, are intended to help schools bridge the digital divide and offer students more reliable access to the technology they need to participate in e-learning. School districts can use the funds to expand connectivity and provide students with devices like computers or tablets.

Grants were awarded to districts across the state, including 2 school districts in the 34th State Senate District:

• Rockford Public Schools 205 - $1,519,985
• Harlem School District 122 - $388,399

Funding was distributed using a need-based formula. The full list of schools receiving funds is available on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.