Gaming revenue would be used to expand Rockford Promise scholarships, invest in high-risk neighborhoods and pay more into public safety pensions under a proposal from Mayor Tom McNamara’s administration.
Rockford is about to get a big bump in gaming revenue. Its host community agreement with the Hard Rock Casino Rockford guarantees the city $7 million annually.
Previously, the city had committed $1.5 million a year of its share of gaming revenue to Rockford Promise scholarships, allowing Rockford Public Schools students who graduate with a 3.0 GPA to attend Northern Illinois University tuition free.
More: A sneak peek inside the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford
Rockford aldermen are debating how to spend the additional $5.5 million the city will receive yearly with the opening of the permanent casino at 7801 E. State St.
Here’s the administration’s recommendations:
Rockford Promise
Allocate an additional $600,000 to expand Rockford Promise scholarships to include Rockford Public School and private school graduates with a 3.0 GPA and qualify for a Monetary Award Program grant to Rockford University. Rockford already allocates $1.5 million worth of gaming revenue annually to Rockford Promise NIU scholarships.