Stadelman announces $635,000 for local training in construction trades

State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week that two local nonprofit organizations have received $635,000 in funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“The extension of this program will increase access to good-paying jobs for underrepresented populations in our community,” Stadelman said. “The needs of the workforce remain a priority of mine, so our continued investments into programs such as these are incredibly important.”

Of 36 grant recipients statewide, two in Rockford: $195,000 to Awaken Foundation LC3 and $440,000 to EDDR Foundation in Rockford. Pre-apprenticeship grants are used to create a diverse pool of skilled candidates in construction and building trades and help them establish careers in the field. To learn more about the grant funding and program and view the full list of recipients, visit here.

Stadelman speaks to Rockford Chamber's emerging leaders group

State Senator Steve Stadelman joined State Senator Dave Syverson, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Board Member Jean Crosby to speak about government to the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce's most recent Leadership Rockford class. The officeholders then answered questions Friday morning at Rockford City Hall. Stadelman urged the emerging leaders to entertain new ideas, consider opposing viewpoints, consume news from multiple sources and study "the nuance of political issues that so often escape our culture of bumper-sticker messaging."

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