Lawmakers, school officials and students discuss school funding

State Senator Steve Stadelman and other local legislators met this week with Rockford School District officials and high school students to discuss issues pending in Springfield that concern public education, particularly increased funding for schools that will be part of the budget approved later this month.

Smart Start Illinois would pump an additional $250 million into pre-K programs, and the state's evidence-based funding formula -- which Stadelman voted to approve in 2017 -- will deliver millions of dollars in extra revenue to Rockford, Harlem, Belvidere schools and other communites with low property values and high poverty levels.
 
 
Rockford high school students took local lawmakers on a student-led tour of Ellis Elementary School this week.
 

Local museums, parks receiving $50,000 in state tourism money: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman this week announced more than $50,000 in state grants for local tourism attractions.

  • Discovery Center Museum of Rockford - $30,355

  • Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden - $10,000

  • Loves Park - $10,000

“Tourism is a driving factor in so many industries and so communities across Illinois," Stadelman said, "and these grants will help Rockford and Loves Park prepare for warmer weather and the tourism that summer brings.”
 


 

Virtual public meeting for Business 20 widening set for next week

Interested in learning about the state's plan to widen U.S. Business 20 between Rockford and Belvidere? Join the Illinois Department of Transportation for a virtual public meeting from 5 to 6 PM MAY 11.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/USBusiness20Study to register.

Business 20 opened in 1931 as a two-lane road, and IDOT has forecast the need to widen the remaining two-lane stretch between Shaw Road and State Street/Appleton Road. The 4-mile reconstruction would involve small easements in Beaver Bluffs Conservation Area and the Belvidere Park District not anticipated to adversely affect park’s activities, features or attributes.

Comments received through June 15 will become part of the official public meeting record.
 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman is at Community Building Complex of Boone County
April 30 at 6:17 PM

Congratulations to LULAC Belvidere on a successful Dia De Los Ninos! The bag toss was a big hit!

 

Steve Stadelman is at Tebala Event Center
April 29 at 2:48 PM

Congrats to the Golden Apple Foundation winners and nominees! It's great to see teachers recognized for their hard work.

 

Steve Stadelman is at St Paul Ch of God in Christ
April 30 at 11:08 AM

Great community event at St. Paul Church of God in Christ! Meet My Shoes and Aramark came together to host "Over & Above: Building Community Admiral Heroes," showcasing the military, music, health professionals, games and other activities.