Stadelman announces $1.6 million in property tax relief for Harlem School District

State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week that Harlem School District is receiving a state grant for more than $1.6 million that must be used to reduce property taxes for two consequtive years.

Harlem is one of 32 districts to receive grants from among 155 that applied statewide. The grant requires participating school districts to approve by March 30 resolutions to abate property taxes for two years. 

“Ensuring all students – regardless of ZIP code – have access to high quality education is vital,” Stadelman said. “A reduction in local property taxes will go a long way for working families in Loves Park and Machesney Park and provide much-needed relief for residents across Illinois."

The grants are the result of the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) for Student Success Act, which Stadelman supported in 2017. For school districts that receive the grants, the awarded amount amount becomes a permanent part of their EBF annual funding calculation. Learn more about the grant program here.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Best of luck to Keith Country Day School student Joseph Anthon, who has to write an 800-word paper based on his interview with me this afternoon for an assignment to explore a possible career path. I think Joseph will do well in life -- even if he does decide to become a legislator!

 

 

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Steve Stadelman
February 13 at 8:02 PM

Beginning in May, children and young adults with mental, social or emotional challenges can receive equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy at the new Perks Family Indoor Equine Center at Lockwood Park. The Rockford Park District Foundation is looking to raise another $1.5 million in contributions toward the $7.3 million facility, the first of its kind in northwestern Illinois. You can learn more about "hope and healing with horses" and donate at: https://rpdfoundation.org/lockwood-equine-center

Lori A. Berkes-Nelson

Thanks for taking the time to tour the facility and learn more about the amazing healing that will occur here!

Julianne Elliott

This amazing facility will have so much to offer! There is nothing like stroking a horse’s nose or kissing it. “Lucky” is one of their gentle equines. Huge thank you to the Perks family; you are greatly appreciated! 

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Steve Stadelman
February 13 at 5:18 PM

This afternoon, I enjoyed updating the YMCA Retired Men's Club on my efforts to help reopen and expand the Stellantis plant in Belvidere, restore passenger rail service between Rockford and Chicago and deliver resources for projects that improve our quality of life across the region, including $250,000 in state funds toward the expansion of the Swedish American Riverfront YMCA under way now. Great audience with some great questions!