ROCKFORD – In an effort to spur economic development in the region, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that a $1.9 million grant has been awarded to the Rockford area for bridge and water main repairs.

Funding is supported by the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan and will be used to speed up public works projects and long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities around the state. The grants are being released as part of $24.8 million in funding from the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program, with $14.7 million for projects located in Opportunity Zones.

“I’m thrilled the City of Rockford was able to secure funding from this grant program to improve local bridges and water mains,” Stadelman said. “We have to keep our infrastructure in good repair to keep people safe.”

A $1.9 million investment from a Opportunity Zone grant will fund Rockford area bridge repair projects in its communities. The projects will include private matching funds that will support developments linked to affordable housing, community development, and real estate projects.

"Grants like these allow us to stretch our infrastructure budget farther in this difficult economic time and complete projects that greatly impact our residents,” said Mayor Thomas P. McNamara, City of Rockford.

Opportunity Zones are considered economically underserved areas in the community. More on the Opportunity Zones can be found HERE. 

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

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of my community and of our state,” Stadelman said. “They need this grant money to survive, and I’m proud that we are doing everything possible at the state level to help our small business community stay afloat.”

The grants are the first round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. The state program will award funds to businesses that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large portion of the grants being awarded to child care providers.

The first round of grants range from $10,000-$20,000 and can be used to help businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic, such as personal protective equipment, training, and new technology.

“This pandemic has hit smaller and minority owned businesses especially hard,” Stadelman said. “That’s why the program is ensuring that these businesses take priority when grants are being awarded.”

The first round of awards includes a diverse group of businesses and focuses on small businesses. Recipients are required to prove annual revenues of $3 million or lower.

A list of grant recipients can be found here.

Stadelman asks fraud victims to help bring scammers to justice

Rockford area residents who are concerned about potential identity theft after recent claims of fraudulently obtained unemployment cards should file a report with Illinois Department of Employment Security, State Senator Steve Stadelman advises.

“During this time of so much uncertainty, it’s sad that people are being taken advantage of,” Stadelman said. “If you believe you’ve been a victim of this scam, you can help other Illinoisans by filing a report with IDES. We need to hold these scammers accountable.”

Recent reports have shown Illinoisans have been receiving KeyBank debit cards and unemployment letters in the mail, despite never applying for benefits. According to IDES, individuals who received these mailings may be targets of fraud.

After receiving these reports, IDES launched an investigation into a national fraud scheme targeting claimants to the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. IDES said unclear federal guidelines quickly developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making claimants vulnerable to these scams. IDES employees are now working with people whose identities have possibly been stolen and with local and federal law authorities to track down and prosecute those committing fraud.

Individuals who have received debit cards in the mail without applying for benefits should call IDES immediately at 1-800-814-0513 to report identity theft. Do not activate the debit card. Victims of fraud are also encouraged to check their credit reports for possible suspicious activity, post a fraud alert and visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for tips on recognizing and reporting identity theft.

Literacy Council to receive more than $70,000 in grants

To provide Rockford-area residents with an opportunity to improve important life skills, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that the Literacy Council in Rockford will receive more than $70,000 in grants from the Illinois Secretary of State to help adult learners develop reading, English-language and others skills.

“Giving adults the ability to learn new skills not only provides them with new opportunities. It enhances the community they live in as well,” Stadelman said. “Everyone, no matter their age, should be given the chance to improve their skills and better themselves.”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the secretary of state’s office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

“I encourage Rockford-area residents to give back to their community and volunteer for this great program,” Stadelman said.

The Literacy Council in Rockford is set to receive a total of $70,690. Those interested in volunteering should contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

Stadelman encourages child care providers to apply for grants

With many parents returning to the workforce, the need for safe child care is more important than ever. State Senator Steve Stadelman is urging child care providers to apply for Child Care Restoration Grants to give them the ability to safely reopen and stay open after months of financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With more Rockford residents returning to the workforce, parents need child care providers they can trust with the wellbeing of their children during a pandemic,” Stadelman said. “These grants will allow parents to send their children to facilities that are following local health guidelines.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services is distributing $270 million to assist child care providers across the state with reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed child care providers that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for Child Care Restoration Grants.

To be eligible for the grant, providers must:

• Have a current license from the Department of Children and Family Services to care for childre

• Be open and caring for children at the time of application

• Be able to demonstrate a “business interruption” from their pre-COVID capacity

• Submit a complete application with all required documents.

Applications are open until Aug. 14. To learn more and apply, providers should visit www.inccrra.org/.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Took part in a forum on the struggles facing businesses in the Hospitality & Tourism sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As the state and country see an uptick in cases, following safety guidelines will help keep them open.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Human Services’ new mental health programs to help people who need additional resources for crisis support, housing and community care during their times of need.

“As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, now more than ever, it’s important to provide people with help they need,” Stadelman said. “These new and innovative programs will help people get the help they need.”

IDHS announced three new mental health programs Monday to provide additional support for Illinoisans. The agency worked with community mental health centers and non-traditional service providers to develop capacity and to deliver clinical services and non-traditional supports.

A new program called the Living Room Program is designed specifically for people in need of a crisis relief program to break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. It provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere where individuals can process an event while learning how to avoid a future crisis.

The Transitional Living Centers Program is a housing resource for people who have mental illnesses and who are in need of an immediate place to stay while they work to find permanent housing.

Additionally, the Transitional Community Care and Support Programs are for people who are currently in IDHS State Operated Psychiatric Hospitals and preparing to be discharged. It will include funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation, and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.

Individuals seeking help from the Living Room Program may seek help directly or be referred by first responders or medical professionals. Participants of the other two programs will be referred by IDHS and other providers.

For more information and to find additional mental health resources, click here.