ROCKFORD – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program, and State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to share $26,000 in grant money is going to the Blackhawk Fire Protection District.

“I am happy to see additional funding go toward our fire departments,” Stadelman said. “The men and women that work hard to protect us from fires and other emergencies deserve to have the right tools for the job.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. Their purpose is to allow eligible applicants to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement Wednesday after news the Illinois Gaming Board  has voted to approve a supplier’s license for the owners of the proposed Rockford Hard Rock Casino:

“I am excited for this major step forward in the plans for the Rockford Casino. I look forward to the day those in Rockford who enjoy gambling don’t have to travel to another state to do what they enjoy and can stay here in northern Illinois at the Rockford Casino.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced Winnebago County will receive $1.2 million for bike path improvements.

“I am excited to see improvements in the Winnebago area to improve these great bike paths,” Stadelman said. “Many people go out and enjoy  their time biking or walking, and these improvements will ensure the paths are finished and safe.”

The investment will fund an extension of the Perryville Bike Path in Winnebago County. The project is part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

In total, $105.6 million will fund 99 projects to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities across the state in this round of funding.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was proud to support a budget that prioritizes families, businesses and schools who faced heavy losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This budget puts Illinois on the road to recovery,” Stadelman said. “At a time when we're recovering from a historically devastating year, delivering a responsible budget that ensures the well-being of all Illinoisans was our most important duty, and I feel we've done that.”

The budget ensures Illinois will repay $3.2 billion in federal debts that arose out of the pandemic, a year ahead of schedule saving Illinois taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in interest payments in the process. The budget will also alleviate the state's backlog of bills in order for critical investments to be made to stimulate recovery.