Rockford committee considers distributing casino revenue tax to local organizations

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford's Finance and Personnel Committee discussed the possible organizations that could receive funding from the Hard Rock Casino Rockford tax revenue Monday night.

The city of Rockford is expected to receive $7 million in tax revenue annually from the casino. The 14 aldermen have been tasked with deciding where this money will go and first Ward Alderman Tim Durkee said the process has been tricky.

"There's 14 aldermen and each of us have an idea as to where this revenue should go," Durkee said, "Personally, I think it should go to public safety, public infrastructure and pensions."

The aldermen have already allotted $1.5 million to Rockford Promise, an organization that financially supports students from Rockford Public Schools District 205 on their college journeys at Rock College, Rockford University, Northern Illinois University and St. Anthony's College of Nursing. Monday night they discussed giving an additional $600,000.

Durkee said he appreciates the work of Rockford Promise, but wishes the organization was available to all students in the area.

"I think it's a great investment in our students, but it should be all of our students," Durkee said. "Every high school student; home school, private school, public school, any student that qualifies for these funds should have access to it. $2.1 million is a good chunk of money, and it's now going to this organization, and I don't think it should be restricted."

Executive Director of Rockford Promise Kaylene Groh said the program has benefitted from city help in the past and would use this money to help more Stateline students than ever before.

"There still remains a huge gap between interest and what we've been able to provide," Groh said. "Any funding that goes through with the city would really help us expand this phenomenal partnership with Rockford University."

The other organizations expected to receive funds are as follows:

Durkee said the list of included organizations may change each year.

"Listening to the city staff, the Beyer stadium and the arts one are one-time hits," Durkee said. "The Rockford Promise one as its proposed I think is going to be annual. We'll see what we come up with."