SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that pushes to ensure local journalism survives in Illinois’ small towns and mid-sized cities passed the State Senate on Thursday.

“I’ve dedicated years of my life to journalism, so I understand the importance of having access to local news,” Stadelman said. “Illinoisans deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, regardless of where they live.”

The measure would create the Local Journalism Task Force, which would be made up of 10 individuals representing print and broadcast media, journalism schools, and state and local government. They would be charged with conducting a study on communities underserved by local journalism and making recommendations on how to preserve and restore news coverage in these areas.

Declines in advertising revenue and circulation have meant that nearly half of the newsroom jobs at newspapers that existed in 2004 have since disappeared—and more than 2,000 papers around the country have closed over the past 15 years.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would help cities and counties address blighted properties passed committee on Wednesday.

“Blighted properties don’t just affect one or two neighbors. They can have a ripple effect on an entire block,” Stadelman said. “Giving our cities and counties the tools they need to fight this problem is the first step to revitalizing our neighborhoods.”

• The measure would reduce abandoned and neglected homes by helping municipalities intervene earlier through the court system to save these properties.
• It allows municipalities and counties to partner with land banks to maintain and manage vacant buildings so they can be saved.
• The measure would help people stay in their homes by reducing the cap on interest rates on unpaid property taxes.

“Sen. Stadelman recognizes the impact that blighted properties have in Rockford, and I appreciate all of his work in Springfield to help mitigate this issue,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “Blighted properties decrease home values, drive away investment, and are havens for criminal activity. This bill makes it easier for municipalities to intercept dilapidated properties before they are beyond repair so that they can be rehabilitated and placed back on the tax rolls. My administration has taken aggressive action to strengthen our neighborhoods, and this bill we be a tremendous tool that can help the city in this work.”

“When you have abandoned and deteriorating homes, it’s often local governments that pay to maintain or demolish these properties,” Stadelman said. “This measure finds solutions to help our state better address neighborhood rehabilitation.”

Senate Bill 1721 passed the Senate Revenue Committee with a vote of 6-4 and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois passed the State Senate on Wednesday.

The legislation allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies. This change in the law would allow up to $700 million in financing.

“Financing construction projects across out state also means we’re investing in our workers,” Stadelman said. “This legislation will generate good-paying jobs throughout Illinois.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand, and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday to celebrate hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal investments in the Rockford area.

As part of a $23 million multi-year Rebuild Illinois project, The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is granting $13 million for infrastructure improvements to the BMO Harris Center in Downtown Rockford, home of the Ice Hogs, an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Stanley Cup-winning franchise recently announced its acquisition of the Rockford hockey team.

“This is great news for Rockford area hockey fans and downtown businesses,” Stadelman said. “The improvements to BMO Harris Bank Center will ensure the entertainment venue remains a tourist attraction. The state continues to show its commitment to Rockford by supporting the revitalization of downtown.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing that Rockford area school districts will receive $229.8 in additional funding to help address the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For more than a year now, our teachers have put in countless hours to adapt their classrooms to remote learning,” Stadelman said. “This funding gives schools, students and their parents the relief they need to get back on track for this upcoming school year.”

The funding comes as part of the most recent federal COVID-19 relief packages. Schools, students and parents have overcome challenges that no one could have imagined before the pandemic began, including remote and hybrid learning, digital connection issues, new processes for receiving state and federal aid that normally flow through schools, and more.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is taking action to ensure local journalism survives in Illinois’ small towns and mid-sized cities.

“As a former journalist and news anchor, I know how important it is to have access to truly local news,” Stadelman said. “People deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, regardless of where they live.”

The measure would create the Local Journalism Task Force, which would be made up of 10 individuals representing print and broadcast media, journalism schools, and state and local government. They would be charged with conducting a study on communities underserved by local journalism and making recommendations on how to preserve and restore news coverage in these areas.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois passed committee Wednesday.

The legislation allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies. This change in the law would allow up to $700 million in financing.

“Investing in construction is also investing in workers,” Stadelman said. “This opportunity will create good-paying jobs across Illinois.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand, and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders.

“This measure creates new economic development opportunities for the state,” Stadelman said. “The construction industry is a key part of our state’s economy, so it makes sense to allow the treasurer to invest in infrastructure projects.”

Senate Bill 117 passed the Senate State Government Committee with a vote of 9-0 and now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing a $200,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant for the Rockford Park District to develop boat access areas in Rockford.

“With spring just around the corner, this grant will help Rockford further develop its riverfront access,” Stadelman said. “This investment will provide residents and visitors with easier access to enjoy the Rock River.”

The grant will help pay for parking lots, boat stalls, light poles, and painting at Mercyhealth Sportscore One Boating Area Development. The funding will also help install a new water pressure tank, vanities, a drinking fountain and LED lights for the restrooms at the same location.

The Boat Access Area Development Program provides financial assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition, construction, and expansion or rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois’ lakes and rivers.

 “A more accessible river attracts more visitors to the Rockford area, and the local economy will benefit,” Stadelman said.

The program provides up to 100% of approved project construction costs and 90% of approved land acquisition costs. Revenue comes from marine motor fuel tax and boat and canoe registration fees. 

More information about the program is available here.