Federal budget cuts threaten essential programs in Rockford, mayor says

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara emphasized concerns regarding how federal budget cuts will affect the city at Monday’s “State of the City” address.

The annual address was given in City Council chambers, where McNamara said, “Federal funding pauses, shifts in priorities, and changes in grant programs will not only impact our local government, but it will impact our nonprofits, our businesses, and many, many residents who rely on those funds.”

“So let me be clear. If the federal government does cut programs such as Headstart, LIHEAP and housing programs, the city simply cannot cover. The costs in our community will suffer. our residents, Rockfordians will suffer,” he added.

McNamara said the city continues to see growth in several areas, including population, housing, and property values.

“Property values have grown by more than 50%, and they are at our city’s highest point in our history. And at the same time, property values are up. Our property tax rate is the lowest it’s been since 1984. We are actually we are the only major taxing body in Winnebago County that has actually reduced its property tax levy over the last ten years. Heck, even the Illinois Policy Institute is taking note of our work,” said McNamara.

Violent crime is on the decline, he said.

“Violent crime is down. And, ‘re making tremendous progress in our juvenile crime. In just the last two years, we’ve reduced the number of juveniles being arrested by 21%,” McNamara said.