Dear Friends,

As we gather this holiday to reflect on our blessings, let me take a moment to express my graditutde for the privilege of representing the Rockford region in the Illinois General Assembly. May you enjoy the company of cherished family and friends and may you experience good fortune in the days and months to come.

Warm wishes,

Steve Stadelman
State Senator, 34th District
 

Stadelman applauds state's $6.5 million investment
in Alpine Road safety improvements

A heavily traveled stretch of Alpine Road -- where two pedestrians were killed two years ago -- will be resurfaced in 2023 following what State Senator Steve Stadelman calls an "extremely positive outcome" to several months of talks between local and state officials. Those talks are also have resulted in the first step toward a full reconstruction and possible transfer of the unmarked state route to municipal control.

Stadelman commended the Illinois Department of Transportation for investing $1.5 million to resurface Alpine between Charles Street and Harrison Avenue and committing another $5 million in state funds for preliminary engineering of a full reconstruction of Alpine from Charles to Linden Road. A letter of understanding approved Monday by the Rockford City Council outlines the two-phase agreement.

"Alpine and other unmarked state routes unfortunately aren't high on the state's exhaustive list of transportation needs," Stadelman said. "But this agreement means the most deteriorated section will be resurfaced sooner and a total rebuild could occur far faster than previously anticipated."

The project also addresses safety concerns along South Alpine, Stadelman said, where two pedestrians have been struck by vehicles and killed and others seriously injured. Eventual reconstruction of South Alpine would include parallel bicycle and pedestrian routes but exclude a railroad overpass and the bridge across U.S. Bypass 20.

IDOT expects to award a bid for the resurfacing work next spring and complete the project by the end of the 2023 construction season. Under the letter of understanding, municipal officials would administer, manage and design the project and agree to assume future responsibility for the southern leg of Alpine if the agreement advances to a second phase.

"State and local officials recognize that Rockford motorists deserve better," Stadelman said, "and this agreement goes a long way toward improving a major arterial that residents and businesses depend on."

Nearly $170,000 enroute to Rock Valley College to help close equity gaps

Rock Valley College is receiving nearly $170,000 in state funding to help minority and low-income students and students with disabilities remove obstacles to higher education and careers.

“Illinois is determined to bridge equity gaps in education and employment by investing in community colleges and nonprofit organizations that work to eliminate barriers for traditionally underserved students," State Senator Steve Stadelman said of this week's announcement by the Illinois Community College Board. "That determination is demonstrated by a 127.5-percent increase in funding from $4 million in 2021 to $9.1 million this year."

Innovation Bridge and Transitions grants are headed to 55 organizations across Illinois including 36 community colleges. RVC was awarded $169,686. Grants are intended to fund four main objectives:

• Basic reading, math and language skills, occupational competencies and employability skills.
• Seamless transitions from high school to college or between postsecondary institutions.
• Information and assistance to help students equitably access and advance in their career pathways.
• Comprehensive programming for students with disabilities including vocational services, psychological counseling and job placement so they may live and work independently.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
November 22 at 5:05 PM

Great turnout for our Community Resource Fair! People were able to get info on housing and utility support programs, free legal advice and connection to re-entry services. The first 100 also received a Thanksgiving turkey or ham.