Stadelman applauds over $28 million grants to local food banks

• Rockford

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that Northern Food Bank in Rockford has received funding to provide free, locally produced food to at-risk communities.

“This investment comes at a crucial time, as communities continue to grapple with food insecurity, exacerbated by the ongoing challenges we face,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding will fortify our community food banks, enabling them to expand their reach and better serve individuals and families facing food insecurity.”

The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement allows Illinois to purchase food at fair market value, directly from socially disadvantaged farmers. Food is distributed by providers such as food banks to communities in need. In total, 20 grants were awarded – including Northern Illinois Food Bank in Rockford.

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Stadelman passes legislation to strengthen Illinois’ hazing laws

• Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has advanced legislation that provides protections against the criminal act of hazing.

“Hazing is a serious issue that undermines the safety and well-being of our students and communities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No individual should ever feel pressured or coerced into participating in activities that jeopardize their physical or mental health.”

Under Senate Bill 2934, a person agreeing to participate in a hazardous situation would not shield those accused of the hazing. According to Goldberg & Loren, in 95% of hazing cases, students aware they were hazed did not report it. Humiliation is the most popular method of hazing, accounting for 67% of total incidents that happen. Stadelman’s measure would establish a consent clause within state law, bringing Illinois in line with several other states that clarify consent to hazing does not protect against hazing charges.

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Stadelman bills to rescue local journalism called 'most ambitious' in the country

SPRINGFIELD - Two pieces of legislation introduced by State Senator Steve Stadelman to revive the declining local news industry are receiving national attention:

• “It is the most ambitious package of local journalism policy that I’ve seen,” said Anna Brugmann, policy director for the nonprofit Rebuild Local News, in an article published by Northwestern University's Local News Initiative and picked up by several trade organizations including the Poyner Institute.

• "States across the country are increasingly recognizing the need for legislation that corrects the current marketplace imbalance by requiring the tech platforms to fairly compensate publishers for the use of their valuable content,"  President and CEO Danielle Coffee said in an article headlined "News/Media Alliance Applauds Illinois Senator Steve Stadelman for Introducing Journalism Preservation Act."

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Stadelman applauds over $600,000 for Rockford pre-apprenticeship programs

• Rockford

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that two organizations in Rockford have received 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,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The needs of the workforce remains a priority of mine, so our continued investments into programs such as these are incredibly important.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $195,000 to Awaken Foundation LC3 and $440,000 to EDDR Foundation in Rockford. The program creates a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades, as well as helps participants to secure employment and establish a career in the field.

“It is of my utmost concern that our workforce is equipped with the resources and opportunities that they need to thrive and succeed,” said Stadelman. “This funding is a commitment to supporting our diverse and excellent workforce in Illinois.”

To learn more about the grant funding and program and view the full list of recipients, visit here.