ROCKFORD – Washington Park on Rockford’s west side will see improvements thanks to a $250,000 grant the Rockford Park District is receiving from the state.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) says the improvements will help create jobs and improve the quality of life around the area.

“Maintaining safe and clean parks is a crucial step in improving our community’s quality of life,” Stadelman said. “I am glad the state sees the benefit of investing in our local park districts and I look forward to what the future has to offer.”

The grant comes as a part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program will provide more than $28 million to support 87 projects statewide, while two projects will be funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

 SPRINGFIELD – A bipartisan proposal championed by State Senators Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) to give counties that pass public safety sales tax referendums additional flexibility in directing use of new revenue generated by the tax was signed into law recently.  

The proposal, House Bill 5460, expands the “Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities or Transportation” to allow counties to use funding generated by the new tax to fund mental health and substance abuse services.

“Mental health and substance abuse are among the most overlooked issues facing our state, and they both directly impact our public safety,” Stadelman said. “This new law gives local governments another tool to tackle the challenges facing our communities.”

The Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities or Transportation was first created as a tax that county boards could levee if approved by local referendum. It can be only be used for purposes related to public safety, public facilities or transportation.

“This gives our local governments additional flexibility to combat drug abuse and effectively help those with mental issues,” said Senator Syverson. “This will enhance public safety and hopefully help many individuals who are currently falling through the cracks.”

The legislation was signed into law Friday, Jan. 4 and was effective upon signing.  

SPRINGFIELD– Winnebago County, along with other counties that pass public safety sales tax referendums in the future, may soon have added flexibility in how they use those funds, under bipartisan legislation passed in the Illinois Senate by State Senators Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford).

House Bill 4560 expands the “Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities, or Transportation” to allow counties to use proceeds from the tax to fund mental health and substance abuse services. The legislation clarifies that counties that have passed the special tax via referendum will be able to use the funds for mental health and substance abuse treatment in areas that affect crime.

"We know that the criminal justice system is impacted by mental health and substance abuse," said Syverson. "Mental health and substance abuse treatment can help reduce crime and increase public safety, so I think it is a natural fit to make sure local governments have the flexibility to use these funds to treat those issues."

"Mental health and substance abuse are among the most overlooked issues facing our state," said Stadelman. "This is a common-sense, bipartisan measure that gives local governments another tool in the toolbox to treat those struggling with these challenges.”
 
The Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax for Public Safety, Public Facilities, or Transportation, as first created, is a tax that county boards may levee, if approved by a referendum, to be used exclusively for public safety, public facilities, or transportation purposes. The tax applies to what is considered to be tangible personal property at retail, but excluding property that is required to be titled or registered with the state.

The legislation passed unanimously through the Senate Revenue Committee on Wednesday and then was approved by the full chamber on Thursday.

“My hope is that this legislation will help treat many individuals who are currently falling through the cracks while enhancing public safety for everyone,” said Syverson.

“I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to find solutions to the challenges facing our state,” said Stadelman.