ROCKFORD – Illinois’ smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Steve Stadelman will bring more than $598 million to the 34^th District as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois.

“Our roadways have gone unimproved and unattended for too long, and with these funds we can expect to see some major improvements to roadways across the district,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The investments coming to the greater Rockford community are exactly what our infrastructure needs.”

The latest part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois will bring $598,528,000 to the district Stadelman represents, totaling 82 different projects over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects in the 34^th District include:

• Bridge reconstruction and improvements to the US 20 Bypass at I-39
• Reconstruction and additions along I-39 from Harrison Avenue to Mill Road
• Reconstruction and roadway repair along U.S. Business 20 from Avon Street to East State Street

ROCKFORD – To further economic development and transportation in Northern Illinois, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that passenger rail service from Rockford and Belvidere to Chicago is underway in an exciting step for the region.

“Restoring passenger rail service to Chicago will be a game-changer for Rockford and Belvidere,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This will spur economic development across Northern Illinois, and I am excited to see what is to come for the 34^th District.”

Illinois has selected Metra to operate the railway to Rockford from Chicago. The current Milwaukee District West Line will be extended from Elgin to Rockford with stops at Huntley and Belvidere.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to expand consumer protections for renters in smaller buildings was signed into law today, making it more difficult for landlords to withhold security deposits.

“With this law, we are extending transparency to all renters,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law will ensure everyone has the same protections when renting.”

Currently, landlords can withhold security deposits for tenants in buildings with five units or more as long as they provide an itemized statement of damages within 30 days after a tenant moves out. For those living in a building with five or fewer units, a withheld security deposit does not require a statement explaining why and listing the damages incurred.

Senate Bill 1741 removes this limitation.

“If a renter does not get their security deposit back, they at least deserve an explanation from their landlord,” Stadelman said. “We want to prevent landlords from abusing the law by withholding security deposits without tenants ever knowing why. I am proud to see this legislation signed into law and will continue to fight for consumer protections for Illinois residents.”

###

ROCKFORD -- State Senator Steve Stadelman kicked of his Summer Book Club today by reading "I Promise" by LeBron James to 40 students in the Summer Enrichment Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford -Fairgrounds Unit.

Friday marked the end of the first week of the Fairgrounds enrichment program, where experienced teachers focus on building math and reading skills through small group lessons, hands-on activities and interactive Chromebook challenges.

Stadelman's book club encourages students in the 34th legislative district that he represents to read eight books over the summer. Those who accomplish the challenge are invited to celebrate at an August 11 pizza party at Fairgrounds, where Stadelman again will read to children.

Stadelman is basing his book club at Fairgrounds for a second summer, having previously partnered with the Rockford Public Library Montague Branch.

To join Stadelman's challenge, families should obtain a brochure on SenatorStadelman.com or at public libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley or Belvidere. The brochure contains a slip for parents or guardians to sign, naming the eight books their child read.