SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“It is always an honor to take the oath of office and serve the people of the greater Rockford region. I will continue efforts to boost our economy, increase access to health care and education and improve the lives of people in the 34th Senate District and throughout the state.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we tackle Illinois’ problems and look for solutions. I'll continue listening and fighting for the people of the Rockford area and ensure their voice is heard in Springfield.”

ROCKFORD – Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) three local museums will receive a combined $838,000 to make improvements and create new exhibits.   

“Museums provide extraordinary opportunities for education and are great environments to explore and learn about our history,” Stadelman said. “The grants going to these museums will provide the resources necessary to serve the community.”

The Department of Natural Resources announced three museums in Rockford that will be receiving grants. The Rockford Art Museum will receive $301,000, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens will receive $104,000, and the Discovery Center Museum will receive $433,000.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would create a commission to help make a statewide network of new and existing high-speed passenger rail lines a reality passes the Senate.

“Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state,” Stadelman said.

The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.

SPRINGFIELD – A long sought-after casino will be coming to Rockford after legislation cosponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was signed into law today.

“After years of work, the casino for Rockford will finally become a reality,” Stadelman said. “Overall, Rockford will see a lot of improvements thanks to this capital infrastructure plan.”

Four pieces of legislation comprising a $45 billion capital infrastructure plan became law today. The plan includes funding for programs ranging from highways to passenger rail service.

Some projects for the Rockford area include:
•    $275 million for passenger rail service from Rockford to Chicago.
•    Funding for the new maintenance facility at Rockford Airport, saving the airport $90,000 a month.

Stadelman will welcome Gov. JB Pritzker to Rockford Monday to showcase the accomplishments.