$75 million for affordable housing includes Rockford, Cherry Valley
Two local affordable housing developments will benefit from $75 million in state funding headed to 19 projects across Illinois. COVID-19 Affordable Housing Grants announced this week by the Illinois Housing Development Authority will bring online 1,023 housing units, many already under construction but struggling from workerforce shortages and disruptions in the supply chain.
- Zion Development will renovate the five-story Longwood Garden Apartments in downtown Rockford to create a new mix of 64 one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors. The project will include rehabilitation of the underground garage, elevators, common areas and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems throughout the building.
- Bear Development will construct 60 new units at Millbrook Townhomes east of CherryVale Mall. The project, serving residents earning 60 percent or less of the median income for Winnebago County, also will feature a community building and playground.
“Since the start of the pandemic, Illinois has been a national leader in delivering emergency housing assitance to residents impacted by the health and economic hardships of the COVID-19 virus," Stadelman said. "These affordable housing grants are the next step in our efforts to ensure Illinois continues to rebuild as a stronger, more inclusive state."
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State offers free, saliva-based COVID tests for upcoming school year
Illinois again is offering on-demand saliva testing for the COVID-19 virus, at no charge to public schools for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Another year of free testing is possible, according to State Senator Steve Stadelman, because the Illinois Department of Public Health renewed an agreement that allows public schools free use of SHIELD Illinois. Operated by the University of Illinois, SHIELD Illinois provides weekly saliva-based PCR testing at public schools, private businesses and government agencies including the Illinois General Assembly.
SHIELD Illinois has administered 6.4 million tests statewide.So far in 2022, results of its gold-standard PCR tests have been available on average within 16 hours of the collection time.
"As much as we might wish this pandemic behind us, new strains of COVID remain a threat and people continue to become infected and sick," Stadelman said. "Our schools are still an key place for testing and preventing spread of the virus."
Testing in Illinois is paid for with federal funds from the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan and Operation Expanded Testing. Chicago Public Schools are not included because they are receiving direct federal funding for their own testing program.
Organizations interested in SHIELD Illinois saliva testing should visit the U of I website:
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Nursing home patients gain rights under new Stadelman-backed law
A new state law supported by State Senator Steve Stadelman provides new protections for nursing home residents in Illinois by establishing patient rights and a grievance process and by prohibiting unpaid labor.
Senate Bill 1633 ensures that all rights outlined in the state's Medical Patient Rights Act, including the right to sound medical care and the right to privacy and confidentiality, apply to residents under the Nursing Home Care Act. The new law also creates procedures at nursing facilities and requires information on how to submit complaints be posted publicly and made available to residents on request.
"The decision to place a loved on in long-term care is difficult enough," Stadelman said. "No family should have to worry about abuse or neglect and certainly not face a struggle to just report the unfortunate instances of abuse or neglect that may still occur."
Illinois lawmakers modeled the new law after similar reforms in Minnesota.
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In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman is at Davis Park.
June 4 at 11:21 PM
Mother Nature timed the showers just right, allowing Rockford to celebrate the 4th with a parade and fireworks! Thanks to the Rockford 4th of July Celebration Committee and volunteers for making it all happen!
Steve Stadelman
June 2 at 11:16 PM
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the movie "A League Of Their Own", a "Celebrity" softball team took on an All-Star team of local players (I don't fit either category
) at Beyer Field. It was one of several events this weekend to remember the worldwide acclaimed film that created new generations of fans for the Rockford Peaches.
