ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is calling on dog lovers to come out for “Bark in the Park,” a free community gathering of local canine organizations that will include training demonstrations, pet safety tips and dog-related goods from local vendors.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In recognition of June being “National Adopt a Cat Month,” state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, will visit Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary today to meet with staff and learn about how the community can adopt or support animals at the sanctuary.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In advance of Memorial Day, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, will visit, celebrate and highlight local veteran organizations next week that dedicate their time to serve our local heroes.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A pair of proposals passed by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, aimed at developing incentives to recruit and retain quality officers have been signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A measure backed by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, which is currently on the governor’s desk, would make the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) responsible for designing an off-hours child care program to meet the needs of first responders and other third shift workers.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Residents who have their vehicle stolen will no longer be on the hook for fines accrued by the thief under a proposal supported by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of efforts to support families recovering from the pandemic and dealing with rising inflation, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, backed a state budget plan that provides direct relief to residents, suspends the grocery tax and freezes the gas tax.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After listening to law enforcement on ways he could help them recruit and retain high-quality police officers, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, passed a plan Tuesday that invests in recruiting candidates, partners with higher education and updates officer benefits to make the position more attractive.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to support local businesses, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is backing legislation that reestablishes the Small Business Emergency Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House and Senate Democrats announced a series of proposals Monday aimed at helping law enforcement – including mental health support, pay increases, retention incentives, retirement assistance, day care help and other benefits.