ROCKFORD — In efforts to protect Illinois’ most vulnerable population and spare them a trip to the driver services facility, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is notifying drivers age 75 and older that their driver’s license expiration dates have been extended by one year.

“This was a good call by Secretary of State White. Extending the expiration date for older Illinoisans’ licenses was safest thing to do,” Stadelman said. “People who are 75 or older are especially vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, and they don’t need to be waiting in line in the heat and elements at driver services facilities.”

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Drivers who are eligible should receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof of their qualification.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility need wear a face mask. Additionally, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and should be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Stadelman encourages drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

To find the closest driver services facility near you, visit cyberdriveillinois.com, click on the facility finder link, and enter your ZIP code in the search bar. 

ROCKFORD – In an effort to spur economic development in the region, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that a $1.9 million grant has been awarded to the Rockford area for bridge and water main repairs.

Funding is supported by the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan and will be used to speed up public works projects and long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities around the state. The grants are being released as part of $24.8 million in funding from the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program, with $14.7 million for projects located in Opportunity Zones.

“I’m thrilled the City of Rockford was able to secure funding from this grant program to improve local bridges and water mains,” Stadelman said. “We have to keep our infrastructure in good repair to keep people safe.”

A $1.9 million investment from a Opportunity Zone grant will fund Rockford area bridge repair projects in its communities. The projects will include private matching funds that will support developments linked to affordable housing, community development, and real estate projects.

"Grants like these allow us to stretch our infrastructure budget farther in this difficult economic time and complete projects that greatly impact our residents,” said Mayor Thomas P. McNamara, City of Rockford.

Opportunity Zones are considered economically underserved areas in the community. More on the Opportunity Zones can be found HERE. 

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting small business grants the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding to Rockford businesses and other small business communities across the state that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19-related losses and closures.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of my community and of our state,” Stadelman said. “They need this grant money to survive, and I’m proud that we are doing everything possible at the state level to help our small business community stay afloat.”

The grants are the first round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. The state program will award funds to businesses that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large portion of the grants being awarded to child care providers.

The first round of grants range from $10,000-$20,000 and can be used to help businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic, such as personal protective equipment, training, and new technology.

“This pandemic has hit smaller and minority owned businesses especially hard,” Stadelman said. “That’s why the program is ensuring that these businesses take priority when grants are being awarded.”

The first round of awards includes a diverse group of businesses and focuses on small businesses. Recipients are required to prove annual revenues of $3 million or lower.

A list of grant recipients can be found here.

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Human Services’ new mental health programs to help people who need additional resources for crisis support, housing and community care during their times of need.

“As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, now more than ever, it’s important to provide people with help they need,” Stadelman said. “These new and innovative programs will help people get the help they need.”

IDHS announced three new mental health programs Monday to provide additional support for Illinoisans. The agency worked with community mental health centers and non-traditional service providers to develop capacity and to deliver clinical services and non-traditional supports.

A new program called the Living Room Program is designed specifically for people in need of a crisis relief program to break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. It provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere where individuals can process an event while learning how to avoid a future crisis.

The Transitional Living Centers Program is a housing resource for people who have mental illnesses and who are in need of an immediate place to stay while they work to find permanent housing.

Additionally, the Transitional Community Care and Support Programs are for people who are currently in IDHS State Operated Psychiatric Hospitals and preparing to be discharged. It will include funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation, and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.

Individuals seeking help from the Living Room Program may seek help directly or be referred by first responders or medical professionals. Participants of the other two programs will be referred by IDHS and other providers.

For more information and to find additional mental health resources, click here.