State Senator Steve Stadelman this week voiced his approval for the possible sale of the city-owned Rockford IceHogs to the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal that would bring much needed renovations to the 40-year-old BMO Harris Bank Center, the local hockey team's home ice.

"This is great news for Rockford area hockey fans and downtown businesses," Stadelman said. "Planned improvements to BMO Harris Bank Center will ensure the entertainment venue remains a tourist attraction. The state of Illinois will contribute nearly $16 million for the renovation project, including $2.5 million I secured in the state's capital plan."

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara described having "great conversations" with the Blackhawks, and Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment took the first step toward a sale by issuing an official request for proposals. The IceHogs are already the Blackhawks' primary minor-league affiliate.

 

Click on the pic below to view a WIFR-23 report.

 

 

 

Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Steve Stadelman is congratulating the third-grade class at Cherry Valley Elementary School on being selected as a winner.

The state's Biodiversity Grant Program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

“This program provides an excellent chance for students to expand their education outside of the classroom,” Stadelman said. “I’m pleased students at Cherry Valley school were chosen.”

Four third-grade classes selected for the grant will take a trip to Severson Dells Nature Center, which hosts environmental education courses in the 369-acre Severson Dells Forest Preserve. At the center, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available here.

 

During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law offering additional workers’ compensation protections to first responders and essential workers. Last week, the governor signed a measure supported by State Senator Steve Stadelman to extend those protections by six months.
 

The law allows essential workers and first responders to file for workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 during the course of their employment – providing them with additional economic support while they recover from the illness. Employers have an opportunity to rebut workers’ claims by demonstrating they followed all applicable public health guidelines.