HappyLabor Day 2022!

Dear Friends,
 

As the Labor Day weekend begins, let's pause for a moment to reflect on the contributions of everyone whose hard work is the backbone of our country and community -- from the men and women who build our homes and highways to those who teach our children and care for our sick and elderly. Have a safe and happy celebration of summer's unofficial end.

Sincerely,

Steve Stadelman
State Senator, 34th District

Stadelman named to High-Speed Rail Commission

State Senator Steve Stadelman has been appointed to the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist in creation of a statewide plan for high-speed rail and feeder networks across Illinois.

“I am honored to be appointed and will continue to push for better, safer railways throughout the state,” Stadelman said. “This commission is responsible for coming up with a solid plan for high-speed rail in our state, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to move forward with plans that can help Illinois thrive.”

The commission is charged with creating a statewide plan for a high-speed rail line and feeder network connecting St. Louis and Chicago that includes current existing Amtrak and Metra services, connects the cities of Rockford, Moline, Peoria, and Decatur, and uses inter-city bus service to coordinate with the rail line. As part of its work, the commission will oversee a ridership study and make findings and recommendations concerning governance, frequency and implementation in a report delivered no later than Dec. 31 of each year.

Stadelman previously secured $275 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds to re-establish passenger rail service from Rockford to Chicago. Current plans are for stops in Belvidere, Huntley and Elgin.

“As Illinois moves forward, big infrastructure efforts like high-speed rail will become a stepping stone in creating economic success for residents across the state,” Stadelman said. “I am happy to take on this expanded role and continue to support efforts to build high-speed railways and improve transportation for all of Illinois.”

Stadelman’s appointment was made on Aug. 31 and is effective immediately.

Four local nature preserves receive state grants

Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman, four local nature preserves will receive funds to support stewardship and enhance natural green spaces. Natural Land Institute will use a $13,144 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.to purchase equipment to support non-native invasive removal and prescribed fire at Howard D. Colman Dells Nature Preserve, Burr Oak Valley Nature Preserve, Harlem Hills Nature Preserve and Kyte River Bottoms Land and Water Reserve.

“This is a direct investment into our community that will make it a more vibrant place to live,” Stadelman said. “Ensuring our park employees have the tools they need to maintain and revitalize our beautiful natural parks is a small step we can take to provide residents with green space to enjoy."

Stewardship needs at natural areas throughout Illinois have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations and government agencies. The grant program is designed to fund projects that address this deficiency through grants that will expand their staff and equipment for these activities.

More information about the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at https://bit.ly/stewardshipgrants.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
1 hour ago

Enjoyed meeting with staff at Children's Home & Aid Northern Region to discuss their services and challenges to protect children and help families in our area.

Steve Stadelman
August 30 at 8:47 AM 

Enjoyed our conversation with Ingersoll Machine Tools President & CEO Jeff Ahrstrom about the latest and greatest aerospace and defense industry products made by the iconic Rockford company. On behalf of the state of Illinois, State Representative Dave Vella and I joined the Illinois Manufacturers' Association to present a grant to fund an employer training program.