SPRINGFIELD – This morning, Governor Pritzker signed legislation that would cap out-of-pocket cost for prescription insulin copayments at $100 per month, regardless of the supply a patient needs.

Faced with life-threatening increases in the cost of prescription insulin, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), a co-sponsor of the legislation and father to a diabetic son, voted last November with fellow lawmakers to cap insulin copayments.

“I have seen the struggles people with diabetes face every day,” Stadelman said. “Diabetes is a lifelong affliction for those who have it. It shouldn’t also be the cause of financial stress for their families. Without adequate insurance, many people with diabetes can’t afford the insulin they need to survive.”

There are currently over 30 million Americans who have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. An individual with Type 1 diabetes, a lifelong condition that can begin at birth, will spend an average of $5,705 per year on insulin alone.

“This legislation will provide medical and financial relief to thousands in the Rockford area and across Illinois,” Stadelman said. “I’d like to thank the governor for his commitment to lowering insulin costs throughout the state.”

This legislation makes Illinois only the second state in the nation to cap prescription insulin co-payments, though the cap would only apply to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state.

Senate Bill 667, doesn’t go into effect until January 2021 to give insurance plans a sufficient amount of time to adjust their rates.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has recently announced that The Rockford Park District will receive a total of $275,000 to renovate Keye-Mallquist Park.

The funds were secured from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisitions and Development program (OSLAD). So far this year, the program has provided more than $28 million to support 87 park projects across the state.

“Our local parks are a great way for all of us to stay active and play different types of recreational sports,” Stadelman said. “It’s great to see that the Rockford Park District is continuing its hard work and commitment to the community by securing these funds.”

The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has invested $419.4 million in 1,765 local park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.

For more information about Rockford Park District and Keye-Mallquist Park, please visit rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Rockford – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today that Rockford Public School District #205 and Harlem Community Unit School District #122 are set to receive nearly $25,000 in grants given out by Illinois Secretary ofState Jesse White’s School Library Grant program.

“I’m grateful to hear that both Harlem and Rockford school districts will receive these grants,” said Stadelman. “Libraries played an important role for me growing up, and additional funding will be helpful for our libraries to continueupdating their collections for every student to enjoy.”

The grants were awarded based on a per student formula. Rockford Public School District will receive a total of $19,557.00 and Harlem Community School District will receive a total of $4,284.75.

School libraries can use these funds to acquire fiction and/or nonfiction books, educational CDs and DVDs, and library subscriptions to electronic resources, as well as to improve technology by purchasing new computers orimproving Wi-Fi connectivity.

Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2021 are set to be available in August of this year.

Rockford – On Tuesday, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the state is finally reimbursing the Village of Machesney Park for the boat ramp built on the Rock River back in 2015.

“Frankly, this should have happened earlier,” Stadelman said. “This is proof that Illinois is turning a fiscal corner and is finally keeping its promises to communities like Machesney Park.”

The original state grant for the dock was announced back in 2014 and was built the following year. Unfortunately, the reimbursement for the grant was frozen by former governor Bruce Rauner.

The boat ramp has improved public access to the Rock River and helped law enforcement to respond more quickly to emergencies.

“The boating public and first responders have really appreciated the boat launch, as shown by the amount of use it gets,” said Steve Johnson, mayor of Machesney Park. “It would not have happened without the 50% grant funding by the State, and we appreciate Senator Stadelman’s help in seeing the final payment through to us.”

The dock was part of the state’s Boat Area Access Development Program, which aimed to improve access to Illinois’ lakes and rivers. According to local officials, the dock has change the way emergency personnel have been able to rescue people and prevent additional accidents on the River.

The $200,000 check from the office of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza was officially issued last Thursday, December 5.