Stadelman announces state funding for local business development
Two local business development organizations are receiving more than $53,000 in state funding as part of Illinois' ongoing efforts to provide relief from the harmful economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today.
Growth Dimensions for Belvidere & Boone County Inc. is being awarded $40,969 and Miracle Mile Rockford Corporation will get $12,236 in the latest round of Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers grants. Business and professional organizations dedicated to improving the economic climate and business development of the community in which they are located qualified for the B2B grants along with traditional chambers of commerce so long as they had annual revenue of $1 million or less.
Awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the B2B chamber grants can be used to market and develop communities or provide small businesses with professional development and other support to help grow local economies. Grant amounts were determined by total annual revenue declines between 2019 and 2020 as reflected on tax returns. All eligible applicants received a grant as long as the organization met eligibility requirements and submitted proper documentation.
"Business groups like Growth Dimensions and Miracle Mile are essential building blocks for strong local economies. They provide small businesses especially with support they need to survive and thrive," Stadelman said, "and the state is doing its part to help rebuild businesses and non-profit groups that still struggle to regain their footing after the global pandemic."
Since the onset of the pandemic, DCEO has allocated $1.5 billion in pandemic-related support for businesses, including $705 million through the B2B and Business Interruption Grant (BIG) programs, $899 million in Childcare Restoration Grants), $18.5 million in Coronavirus Remediation Emergency (CURE) direct awards businesses and $14 million in Emergency Hospitality grants.
Local mental health to benefit from additional funding: Stadelman
Rockford-based Rosecrance has been chosen to join a federal program to enhance access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week.
“By participating in this program, we are taking a proactive approach to provide better care, reduce stigma and to support those in need,” Stadelman said. “This initiative represents more than just enhanced care; it signifies hope and progress for our community.”
Rosecrance will participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration Program, which offers Medicaid reimbursement for the entire cost of services at rates higher than those previously received for Medicaid customers. The program is projected to inject an additional $150 million into Illinois’ behavioral health system.
CCBHCs deliver access to a variety of services and care coordination using evidence-based practices and other supports tailored to community needs assessments. This includes 24/7 crisis services and routine outpatient care within 10 business days.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by texting or calling 988 or via chat at 988lifeline.org.
Enrollment open now for Senator Stadelman's annual Summer Book Club
Parents now can enroll young readers State Senator Steve Stadelman's annual by downloading an online registration form or picking one up in public libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere.
During his summer reading challenge, Senator Stadelman encourages students in the 34th legislative district that he represents to read eight books over the summer. Those who accomplish the challenge are invited to celebrate at an August pizza party.
For a third year, Stadelman is basing his Summer Book Club at the Boys and Girls Club Stenstrom Unit, where the kickoff and pizza party will take place. Students at Stenstrom participate in the book club as part of their Summer Enrichment Program where experienced teachers focus on building math and reading skills through small group lessons, hands-on activities and interactive Chromebook exercises.
A kickoff rally, where Senator Stadelman will read a book aloud, is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. June 17 at the Stenstrom Unit, 609 Kilburn Avenue, Rockford. Both the kickoff rally and pizza party are open to any student whose parent or guardian signs and returns a form listing the eight books that were read denjoyed to fulfill the challenge.
Click on the image below to enroll.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman is with Vic Rivera and Melissa Santillan
June 9 at 9:42 PM
Steve Stadelman is in Machesney Park
June 12 at 8:21 PM
Congratulations Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful on its 35th Anniversary! A ribbon cutting ceremony organized by the Parks Chamber of Commerce recognized the recycling center in Machesney Park for the important services it provides our community.
