CHICAGO HEIGHTS – To address a growing need for residents in the Chicago Heights area to have convenient access to driver services, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) will join Secretary of State Jesse White to announce the opening of a new driver services facility at Prairie State College.

“This is an important announcement for the residents of Chicago Heights and surrounding areas who have been waiting much too long to have secretary of state services available close by,” Joyce said. “I have worked tirelessly with Rep. DeLuca and the secretary of state’s office to negotiate with Prairie State College to get the temporary location open as soon as possible so drivers have a convenient way to access state services. I’m hopeful we’ll get the regular driver services facility up and running soon, but for now, we’re working hard to make sure people still have access to the resources they need.”

Last summer, the Chicago Heights driver services facility was damaged by a fire and since then has been closed to the public. The closing of the Chicago Heights facility forced motorists to go out of their way to other secretary of state facilities in Midlothian, Joliet, Naperville and Bradley to seek out services.

“This is an important first step toward bringing much-needed services back to the residents of Chicago Heights and surrounding communities,” DeLuca said. “The people have waited far too long and have rightfully begun to run out of patience. Thanks to the leadership at Prairie State College and our partners at the Secretary of State for helping Senator Joyce and me to bring these services back to the community where they are needed. The next step will be to get the construction completed on the permanent Chicago Heights facility on 209^th Street, but until then, this temporary facility will be a huge help.”

Joyce and DeLuca understood residents’ frustrations and worked together to advocate for a temporary facility so residents could quickly access the services they need. The legislators are pleased with the site and are confident the facility will serve the community well until the construction is finished at the permanent site.

With questions or for additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

WHO:                   State Senator Patrick Joyce, State Representative Anthony DeLuca, Secretary of State Jesse White, and Dr. Thomas Saban, Interim President of Prairie State College

WHAT:                 Opening of a new temporary driver services facility  

                WHEN:                 Monday, May 10 at 11 a.m.      

WHERE:               Prairie State College – Prairie Center (indoors) on the main campus, 202 S.

Halsted St., Chicago Heights

                                                Visitors will arrive and park in lot A -- there are signs to direct guests