Stadelman praises General Mills expansion in Belvidere

State Senator Steve Stadelman helped break ground this week for a new General Mills warehouse and distribution center on Irene Road in Belvidere, heralding the $100-miillion project as a huge win for preserving and increasing job opportunitiesthe current  throughout the Rockford region.

Stadelman said the expansion of existing specialty foods plant on Pleasant Street into 1.3 million square feet of state-of-the-art space on 160 acres will allow Belvidere to became a Midwest hub for the Minneapolis-based food giant that produces brands including Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Cheerios and Haagen-Dazs.
 

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Stadelman test drives new eco-friendly RMTD bus

Emphasizing that low emission and hybrid vehicles are a priority for the state’s transportation systems, State Senator Steve Stadelman applauded the Rockford Mass Transit District for securing $6.3 million dollars in funding for new electric busses.

“Relying on fossil fuels for all our needs is becoming a thing of the past," said Stadelman, who test drove one of the new RMTD buses. "We want to take a stance for the future through transportation needs that fit our economy ashow that we are dedicated to take the steps to reducing our negative impact on the planet.” 

RMTD is using the $6.3 million to battery electric buses, hybrid-electric buses and charging equipment for the buses.

“By investing in these electric vehicles, we are figuring out ways to create a more sustainable transportation system that creates demand for a growing field of jobs and opportunities for those in the state,” Stadelman said. 

Federal Transit Administration FY22 Low- and N-Emission Bus and Bus Facilities programs will provide $1.66 billion in grants to transit agencies to invest in bus fleets and facilities. Read more about these grants and grants across Illinois at the FTA website.

HoopStars returns for 8th year

Annual 3-on-3 tourney bounces back after twice being benched by pandemic

After being sidelined in 2020 and 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Steve Stadelman’s free youth basketball tournament returns for its 8^th year Sept. 5.

Stadelman announced today that online registration will remain open through game day at www.senatorstadelman.com. No fees are charged to compete in the HoopStars event, which is open to players in 3^rd through 8^th grades.

“We had become a Labor Day tradition for many families, and I hope the tournament remains popular despite our two-year hiatus," Stadelman said. "Players and families appreciate having this positive, no-cost activity as summer ends and the school year begins.”

HoopStars has drawn as many as 400 players since Stadelman launched the tournament in 2013, his first year in office. The inaugural games took place at Patriots Gateway, then HoopStars moved outdoors to Davis Park until 2017 when the 16 courts at UW Sports Factory became its home.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for teams registering late or wanting to warm up before the noon start of the 2022 competition.

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Steve Stadelman
August 25 at 10:27 PM 

Students at Fairgrounds Boys and Girls Club celebrated their success in my summer reading challenge today. I presented Certificates of Achievement and read "Grace for President," then we ate pizza!