State contingency plan expected to keep SBDCs afloat amid federal funding questions: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman said this week that state government is stepping up to help small businesses in light of federal-level uncertainty and delays.
To keep the Illinois Small Business Development Center program operating, grants to SBDC host organizations will be released at 70 percent of their anticipated CY25 funding levels. The remaining 30 percent will be added through grant modifications if and when additional federal funding becomes available.
Rock Valley College hosts this region's SBDC.
Stadelman explained that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity adopted the contingency plan after received a Notice of Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for $4.9 million for SBDC for CY25, but only $1.1 million was authorized for use.

Stadelman promotes Illinois youth film contest and new 815HORTS partnership

State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging local filmmakers to enter the Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest. The state winner receives $250 and a place in the 815HORTS worldwide festival, taking place November 14 and 15 in Rockford.
“We’re so grateful to the Illinois Film Office for its continued partnership with 815HORTS and our film program in Rockford,” said Nicholas Povalitis, Plus Seven company founder and 815HORTS program director. “With the return of Shortcuts and its integration into 815HORTS, we are now able to improve on one of our most important festival goals – reaching the many aspiring and talented student filmmakers throughout the state. It’s an honor to help IFO uplift young filmmakers.”
While the Shortcuts winner is guaranteed a spot at the 815HORTS festival, all Shortcuts submissions received by August 31, 2025, will be considered for screening at 815HORTS. The curated Shortcuts contest is reserved for Illinois students or residents ages 22 and under. 

Films featured at the fourth annual 815HORTS will be eligible for honors as Best 5HORT (Best in Show), Best Animated, Best Documentary, Best Live Action and Best Shortcuts Student Contest Winner. Submission guidelines and additional information for Shortcuts can be found on the 815HORTS website.
Stadelman noted that Illinois in 2024 reached the second-highest film industry investment in state history with $653 million in production expenditures, owing at least in part to the General Assembly extending the state's Film Production Tax Credit through 2032. The tax credit has resulted in a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar spent on the incentive, resulting in over $4.5 billion in economic activity between FY17 and FY24, according to Stadelman.


May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and State Senator Steve Stadelman is advising users of state and local roads to familiarize themselves with the travels to the “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign. The safety campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and the seasonal increase in the number of motorcyclists.
"Start Seeing Motorcycles" banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles.With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities. Although motorcycles represent 3 percent of vehicle registrations in Illinois, they accounted for nearly 14 percent of traffic fatalities in 2023, the most recent year statistics are available. There were 1,245 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2023 –168 were motorcyclists, an increase of 23 from 2022.
As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation recommend these steps to stay safe.

For drivers:

  • Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic, using your mirrors and glancing over your shoulder. Allow appropriate distance.
  • Allow motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and enough time to adjust if necessary. Traffic, weather and road conditions require motorcyclists to react and maneuver differently than other drivers.
  • Be vigilant. A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles. Checking mirrors and blind spots is essential before changing lanes or merging.
  • Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Sharing the road with organized motorcycle groups requires patience and communication. If you need to change lanes or reach an exit, signal your intention early and wait for the riders to create a space. Do not merge in between groups or riders unless there is enough space to do so safely.

For motorcyclists:

  • Wear DOT-compliant gear that increases visibility in traffic in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. Use bright colors and retro-reflective strips or decals, especially at night. Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, protective jackets, pants and properly fitted helmets with face shields or protective eyewear are all part of a full-gear package.
  • Use lane positioning to increase your visibility. Ride with your headlight on at all times. It's the law in Illinois. Give yourself space and time to react. Allow room for emergency braking. Make lane changes gradually and expect the unexpected.
  • Ride sober. Motorcycle riding and alcohol don't mix. Drinking slows your reaction time and affects your balance, coordination and vision.
  • Always signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.

Visit startseeingmotorcycles.org for more information on IDOT's free motorcycle training and safety programs. 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

State Senator Steve Stadelman
May 8 at 3:17 PM

Great to see Zina R. Horton, owner of Zammuto's Drive In and Carry-Out, and her family at the Capitol! The business is celebrating its 100th anniversary!