ROCKFORD – To provide assurance to residents that are concerned about potential identity theft after recent claims of fraudulent unemployment cards, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is asking Rockford residents who believe they’ve been a victim to file a report with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

“During this time of so much uncertainty, it’s sad that people are being taken advantage of,” Stadelman said. “If you believe you’ve been a victim of this scam, you can help other Illinoisans by filing a report with IDES. We need to hold these scammers accountable.”

Recent reports have shown Illinoisans have been receiving KeyBank debit cards and unemployment letters in the mail, despite never applying for benefits. According to IDES, individuals who received these mailings may be targets of fraud.

After receiving these reports, IDES launched an investigation into a national fraud scheme targeting claimants to the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. IDES said unclear federal guidelines quickly developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making claimants vulnerable to these scams. IDES also said this scheme is not associated to the PUA program issue experienced in May.

IDES employees are now working with people whose identities have possibly been stolen. The department is also working with local and federal law authorities to track down and prosecute those committing fraud.

Individuals who have received debit cards in the mail without applying for benefits should call IDES immediately at 1-800-814-0513 to report identity theft. Do not activate the debit card.

Victims of fraud are also encouraged to check their credit reports for possible suspicious activity, post a fraud alert and visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for helpful tips on recognizing and reporting identity theft.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing that the Rockford area is set to receive over $30 million for improvements to U.S. Route 20 this year as part of the state’s ongoing multi-year construction plan.

“With the current state of the economy, I’m pleased to see another multi-million-dollar project coming to the Rockford area,” Stadelman said. “This construction will create new, good-paying jobs while making much-needed updates to our roads and bridges.”

The improvements to U.S. 20 include reconstruction, rehabilitation and initial construction of pavement across nearly 11 miles of roadway. The project also involves repairs to the bridge over 11th Street and intersection upgrades and new lanes along Business 20 (State Street) in Rockford.

“As the state’s economy continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, these jobs will play a critical role in helping working families get back on their feet,” Stadelman said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s plan will invest $21.3 billion to improve the state’s infrastructure over the next six years. Project included in the program were selected based on objective criteria, such as pavement conditions, traffic volumes, and crash history. It will create thousands of job opportunities for residents across the state.

The Rockford area is estimated receive over $10 million in additional spending for other local projects.

IDOT’s complete Multi-Year Plan can be found on its website.

ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation is following through with a state commitment to leverage a total investment of $10 million for Chicago Rockford International Airport improvements.

“Rockford’s position as a transportation hub is one of my top priorities. This project will allow the airport to continue its path as  one of the fastest growing cargo airports in the world,” Stadelman said. Senator Stadelman also worked to include passenger rail service between Rockford and Chicago in the state's new construction plan.

The $10 million total includes $9 million from the federal government, $500,000 from the state,  and a $500,000 local match. The money will be spent on apron construction, which is the creation of a smooth transition between different pavements, increasing safety.

The project was made possible by $27.9 million in supplemental discretionary funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the state providing the matching funds to maximize the funding opportunity and accelerate construction.

“This money will increase capacity at the airport, as it continues to grow its air cargo business,” Stadelman said. “Investing $10 million dollars in the Rockford community will help create jobs and boost our local and state economies.”

The Illinois aviation system consists of more than 825 landing facilities, including commercial, reliever and general aviation airports, private landing areas and hospital heliports. The IDOT Division of Aeronautics helps to oversee all matters involving the development of any public air navigation facility, administering federal funding and annually managing between 100 and 120 grants totaling approximately $250 million.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker today to announce the expansion   of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, creating additional employment opportunities for underserved youth in the Rockford area.

“This is an extremely important program. It gives these kids the opportunity to connect with each other and learn new working experience to prepare them for future careers,” Stadelman said. “This program can help level the playing field. It focuses on low-income kids in the community, giving them an opportunity they      may have not otherwise had.”

The program will employ young adults between June and August 2020, helping them train for and find work despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred young adults in the Rockford area will be employed by the Rockford Park District.

“It’s great to see the impact our summer youth program is making here in Rockford,” Pritzker said. “Providing the start of careers and learning essential skills is a whole new level of impact for our youth.”

The Rockford Park District is placing youth employees in age, ability, and experience appropriate work-based learning opportunities, while offering career development. Available jobs incorporate nearly all areas of park district operations, including Lockwood Park, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and five public golf courses.

The Rockford Park District is one of 30 youth employment providers and will receive $500,000 to employ 100 area youth over the next three months.