State Senator Steve Stadelman read "Jabari Jumps" about a youngster gathering the courage to take his first plunge of a high diving board, to dozens of students who then enjoyed a pizza party to celebrate the conclusion of Stadelman's fifth Summer Book Club reading challenge.

Sixty-eight students at the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford Stenstrom Unit read 8 books over six weeks. The reading challenge, open to all students in the 34th Senate District, has been based at Stenstrom for the last four years, but Stadelman is hosting a SECOND PIZZA PARTY at 2:15 PM TOMORROW, Aug. 1, for a smaller book club at Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave. 

Students who met the reading challenge also received Certificates of Recognition from the Illinois Senate.

"It's important for students to keep up their reading skills over the summer," Stadelman said. "Most kids love a challenge and love pizza, so the book club encourages them read more than they might otherwise when they're not in school."

State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Secretary of State in announcing libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere will benefit from more than $379,000 in state funds through the Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.

“Libraries are one of the best resources a town can offer. From educational programs to technology and research assistance, every resident can benefit from a public library in some way,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “It’s through funding like these grant programs that allow libraries to function and stay accessible for community members.”

A local company is among 29 statewide receiving $1.3 million in funding through the state's Made in Illinois grant program, State Senator Steve Stadelman confirmed today.

Imperial Punch, which employs 27 workers on Rockford's southeast side, will benefit from the matching grants of up to $50,000 for small and mid-size manufacturers.

"Made in Illinois is a program designed to drive innovation and growth in Illinois' critical manufacturing sector," State Senator Steve Stadelman said. "Illinois is an international manufacturing hub, but smaller businesses that make up the hub need a boost to attract capital or add jobs, which pays dividends in developing local and state economies overall."

Combined the 29 grant recipients have 1,120 employees, ranging from as few as six to as many as 125. Including those announced today, Made in Illinois has awarded a total of $3 million in grants to 69 companies since the program started in 2024.

Following the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the below statement:

“We’ve delivered another balanced budget that addresses Illinois’ challenges head on, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I’m proud to support a budget that does not raise income or sales taxes, supports working men and women and boosts economic development in the Rockford-Belvidere area.”

Here’s how the Rockford region will benefit from the new spending plan:

• Increased funding for local K-12 schools. It’s important that every student in our community has access to a quality education and the resources they need to be successful.
• Major investments to local public transit, including funding for Chicago to Rockford passenger rail service, which is scheduled to begin in two years
• Provides Stellantis more flexibility to put a new vehicle product at the Belvidere Assembly plant, which has been idled for nearly two years.
• Provides funding for redevelopment efforts at the former Singer Mental Health Center.

“This budget is a product of careful considerations and negotiations that will continue to move our state and the Rockford region forward, while giving local residents the resources and support needed.”