New state funding boosts Rockford area programs

State Rep. Maurice West announced more than $22 million in state funding tied to the fiscal year 2027 budget, including local grants for Rockford-area organizations, municipalities and community programs, according to a community announcement.

West detailed the funding at American Legion Jefferson-Horton Post 340, 1010 S. Main St. in Rockford, where local leaders and representatives of community organizations joined the event.

According to the announcement, the funding package includes support for veterans services, youth programs, libraries, housing, infrastructure projects and statewide initiatives.

The largest allocations announced include $1.5 million for the Home Modification Program, which includes support for RAMP locally, $1.5 million for operational expenses tied to the Pretrial Success Act statewide and a $17 million statewide increase for free healthy meals in schools.

"This year’s budget made thoughtful cuts to enhance efficiency while focusing on investments to support families with kitchen table issues and providing critical investments in education, healthcare, and public safety," West said. "Locally, I was able to secure millions of dollars for major investments that will support veterans, enhance youth development, build small business resources, combat crime, and so much more."

Funding announced for local organizations and governments includes:

• $500,000 to Kee Solutions for capital improvements and infrastructure.
• $400,000 to Victory Homes Cooperative for capital improvements and infrastructure.
• $300,000 to the city of Rockford for community programs.
• $200,000 to Jefferson-Horton Post 340 American Legion for capital improvements and infrastructure.
• $200,000 to Think Big! for capital improvements and infrastructure.
• $125,000 to Crusader Community Health for programs and operations.
• $100,000 each to the city of Loves Park, the village of Cherry Valley, the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, Rockford Park District, YMCA of Rock River Valley and YWCA Northwestern Illinois.
• $50,000 each to the Northern Illinois Center of Nonprofit Excellence, Rockford Public Library and North Suburban Library.
• $25,000 to Cherry Valley Public Library.

Local organizations describe impact of funding

Several recipients said the funding will help sustain services, expand programming or support facility improvements.

"We are incredibly grateful for Representative West’s advocacy and leadership!" said Brent Pentenburg, CEO of the YMCA of Rock River Valley. "These resources are vital to providing access and opportunity to kids, families, and seniors at the Good Shepherd YMCA."

Samuel G. Miller, president and CEO of Crusader Community Health, said the organization was pleased to be included in the funding initiative.

"I am grateful for Rep. West’s continued support for Crusader and northern Illinois," Miller said. "We are pleased to be included in these funding initiatives and among such important programs that keep our community safe, healthy and thriving."

Think Big! President and CEO Sheila Hill said a $200,000 grant secured through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will support facility and infrastructure improvements.

"This investment will support critical capital improvements and infrastructure that will strengthen our facility and expand our capacity to serve entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the broader community," Hill said.

City leaders, nonprofits applaud investments

Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara said funding for the city’s Destruction to Construction program will help create job opportunities for at-risk youth while supporting neighborhood improvement projects.

Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury said the city’s $100,000 grant will be used to help update Water Department buildings and maintain infrastructure.

Quentin Wainwright, president of Kee Solutions LLC, said the funding will support a planned downtown project.

"We look forward to working alongside Representative West, the City of Rockford, and local aldermen to bring this project to life," Wainwright said.

Anthony Cortez, executive director of Rockford Public Library, said the organization’s grant will help expand its Adult Online High School program.

The Northern Illinois Center of Nonprofit Excellence said its funding will support programs that help strengthen nonprofit leadership and governance throughout northern Illinois.

Victory Homes Cooperative said its $400,000 grant will be used for infrastructure upgrades intended to improve reliability and modernize the facility.

This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.​