ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $124,000 to support two local early childhood groups advance their efforts at strengthening children and families through their programs.

“We are working together with local community partners to provide children and families with the best early childhood learning and care opportunities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Early childhood programs are vital stepping stones for children, preparing them for a successful future. It is important that all communities have access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood services.”

In the 34^th District, Ready to Learn of Winnebago County’s Alignment Rockford and the Boone County Health Department’s Maternal Child Health Advisory Council will see a total of $124,000 to support early childhood services.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $127 million to build and repair infrastructure in Northern Illinois.

“This is an investment into our communities, ensuring residents have access to the best local and state roads, bridges and overall means of travel,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Continuing these essential investments improves the longevity of our infrastructure and facilitates better access between communities.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to stifle free speech and Nexstar Media Group's complicity by not airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! He is available to meet reporters at Sedgewick Drive and Inner Circle Drive, immediately north of the WTVO-17 News studio, for interviews this afternoon:

"I'm extremely disappointed with Nexstar Corporation, owner of the local ABC affiliate WTVO-TV.

"Even though ABC's parent corporation Walt Disney allowed Jimmy Kimmel to return to his late-night show last night, it was not seen on ABC stations owned by Nexstar, including in Rockford. 

State Senator Steve Stadelman championed a new law signed by the governor today that aims to improve hiring outcomes and open the door for more state job positions for people across Illinois.

“Educational barriers are a major reason why many job positions sit unfilled, and that needs changed,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law allows us to consider years of hard work and real skill, which matter just as much as a college degree.”

Senate Bill 1884 allows relevant work experience – in lieu of a bachelor’s degree – to be considered when filling state job opportunities. Relevant work experience does not apply if the knowledge, skills or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained through a course of study in pursuit of a bachelor’s or other advanced degree.

“I know our state has the talent we need to fill open state jobs,” said Stadelman. “I’m happy this measure is at the finish line so we can fill these positions with people who come ready to work backed with years of experience.”

Senate Bill 1884 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect immediately.