Stadelman: State sending 9 new paratransit vehicles to Rockford, Belvidere

Nine new paratransit vehicles are headed to Rockford and Belvidere as a result of more than $1 million in funding through the Rebuild Illinois program backed by State Senator Steve Stadelman. More than 500 vehicles are being delivered statewide to provide transit for seniors and people with disabilities, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced this week.

“Public transportation provides more than just rides – it provides opportunities,” Stadelman said. “Strengthening our mass transit system will allow residents to access secure and reliable transportation options.”

Locally, the transit providers will benefit:

  • Barbara Olson Center of Hope: $360,000 for three new vehicles
  • Rockford Mass Transit District: $600,000 for five new busses
  • Boone County: $120,000 for one new vehicle

“This award helps in our ability to provide the mandated transportation services for Community Day Service Programs,” said Pamela Carey, executive director of the Barbara Olson Center of Hope. 

To learn more about the state's Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, click here.

Governor's budget proposal provides a solid starting point: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget proposal this week:

“I am pleased with the governor’s proposed investments in education for students in Illinois. Adequate funding for education provides students with necessary resources and provides the added benefit of giving people a break on their property taxes.

“Investments in economic development and infrastructure boost our local economies and create good paying jobs. By prioritizing our workforce, we can help support working families. Economic development in Illinois, including $20 million in capital funding for the Illinois Works Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, will put money back in the pockets of those who work hard for it.

“I look forward to crafting a final budget over the next few months that will bring additional innovation and development to Illinois.”

To hear more of Senator Stadelman's reaction to this week's budget address, watch this video:

Stadelman bills to rescue local journalism called 'most ambitious' in the country

Two pieces of legislation introduced by State Senator Steve Stadelman to revive the declining local news industry are receiving national attention:

  • “It is the most ambitious package of local journalism policy that I’ve seen,” said Anna Brugmann, policy director for the nonprofit Rebuild Local News, in an article published by Northwestern University's Local News Initiative and picked up by several trade organizations including the Poyner Institute.

  • "States across the country are increasingly recognizing the need for legislation that corrects the current marketplace imbalance by requiring the tech platforms to fairly compensate publishers for the use of their valuable content,"  President and CEO Danielle Coffee said in an article headlined "News/Media Alliance Applauds Illinois Senator Steve Stadelman for Introducing Journalism Preservation Act."

Senate Bill 3591 would establish the Journalism Preservation Act, requiring mega companies like Google and Facebook to compensate local news organizations for content they share and profit from.Senate Bill 3592 would create the Strengthening Community Media Act to offer an array of hiring incentives including a tax credit for news employers who expand their reporting staffs and for small businesses that advertise with local news organizations.

Both bills advanced to the Senate Executive Committee this week.
 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

State Senator is at Illinois State Capitol
February 23 at 4:16 PM
Always enjoy visiting with my friends from the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau and Illinois Farm Bureau when they visit.


State Senator Steve Stadelman
February 22 at 11:21 AM
All eligible seniors in need of assistance with property taxes can check out the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. Applications are due Friday, March 1! tax.illinois.gov