ROCKFORD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that over $350 million in funding is set to be allocated as part of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Project. State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to announced that the Rockford Mass Transit District will receive a portion of those funds.

“The Rebuild Illinois project is a great way for the state to make much needed and long-overdue infrastructure improvements, and I’m pleased that the Rockford Mass Transit District will be receiving   a grant,” Stadelman said. “Every day, thousands of people rely on the RMTD to get to and from home, work or school or to visit one of the countless local businesses that make our city great. With this grant, they’ll be able to provide a better and safer experience for riders, which is even more crucial during a global pandemic that is causing people to rethink their travel habits.”

IDOT will provide the RMTD with $6.85 million, which will be used for various maintenance related projects including:

• The purchase of new paratransit units and alternative fuel buses to replace existing vehicles that have reached the end of their lifespan;

• The purchase of technology, including radios, computer tablets, cameras and automatic passengers counters, to help enhance safety, improve operation connectivity, and streamline the process of transferring to the Stateline Mass Transit District; and

• The design, construction, purchase and installation of various electric and power equipment to reduce levels of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission.

“These funds will go a long way toward helping the Rockford Mass Transit District provide a more modern, efficient service that will greatly benefit those who use the system as well as the city of Rockford as a whole,” Stadelman said.

Friday’s announcement was the first of three grant distribution cycles, with the subsequent two scheduled to be released in 2021 and 2023. A full list of grant recipients from the first cycle can be found here.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging uninsured and underinsured Illinoisans to visit the Affordable Care Act Marketplace during the open enrollment              period, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

“No matter how healthy you may be, everyone benefits from having health insurance,” Stadelman said. “Open enrollment for the ACA Marketplace has arrived, and you can find or change insurance if you don’t received insurance from an employer or qualify for Medicaid.”

This year, Illinoisans will be able to choose from 179 plans from eight insurance providers. There are also tax credits available to help lower-income residents reduce their monthly payments and find affordable coverage.

Last year, more than 240,000 people received tax credits, and after credits were applied, the average monthly payment was $153.

There are three tiers of coverage to choose from that balance coverage and cost: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Anyone who is already covered under an ACA plan will automatically be enrolled in the same or a similar plan if they don’t make a different selection.

“We’re in the middle of a pandemic, so it’s more important than ever to have coverage,” Stadelman said.

Stadelman also want to remind people that if you experience a life-changing event, such as an income loss, a marriage, or a major move, you can always visit the marketplace – even if the open enrollment period has closed.

To learn more or select a plan, Illinois residents can visit https://getcoveredillinois.gov.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to report that the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that I-39 resurfacing and two other major projects that will enhance safety while helping to grow the regional economy are wrapping up.

 The projects represent a total investment of more than $55 million in the region.

“These projects helped create jobs and set the Rockford region up for economic opportunity for years to come,” Stadelman said. “Maintaining our roads and bridges is vitally important.”

 Projects near completion include: 

• Interstate 39 resurfacing – The $20 million project installed new guardrail and resurfaced I-39 from Baxter Road to Harris Avenue, along with U.S. 20 from just west of Alpine Road to I-39.

• U.S. 20-Illinois 2 interchange – The $24 million project reconfigured the cloverleaf interchange  at U.S. 20 and Illinois 2 to a signalized diamond interchange. The project also rebuilt the dual structure bridge that carries U.S. 20 over Illinois 2.

• Illinois 251 rehabilitation – The $11.8 million project patched and resurfaced I251, from Forrest Hills Road, in Machesney Park, to the Wisconsin state line.

“Not only do these projects benefit the Rockford area today, but for years to come,” Stadelman said.

Although construction is substantially complete, some additional work remains, including landscaping. Daily lane closures will be required through early November to complete the work.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,300 miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program championed by Stadelman.

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.”