SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after stepping down as Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair Sunday.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair for the last five years. I worked very hard to lay a foundation that will be passed on and built upon. The ILBC is strong and will continue to advocate for the Black community across the state. 

“My time to move on from this leadership role has come, and I am proud to pass the torch to the next legislator chosen to carry on the work I began with this phenomenal group of legislators. I am committed to the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and its mission, and will remain a supportive, engaged leader.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) reported Monday a new drive-thru testing site will open in Champaign Tuesday, May 19 to help individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and employees who support critical services. 

“This virus knows no boundaries,” Bennett said. “Broad testing for people with both COVID symptoms and those without is an important step to stem the spread of this illness and eventually overcome this pandemic.” 

The new site will be located in the parking lot of  Market Place Shopping Center at 2000 N. Neil Street and will offer testing services seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., or while daily supplies last.

All individuals with symptoms are encouraged to seek testing at these Community Based Testing Sites. Priority is given to first responders, health care workers, seniors, those with underlying conditions or with mild illness in areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases.

Additional accommodations have been made for the following individuals with or without COVID-like symptoms, such as healthcare workers, first responders, employees of correctional facilities, individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients, employees that support critical infrastructure (grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation), all local and state government employees, and individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic medical conditions.

From the Illinois Department of Public Health, here is what to know before you go:

• This is a free service that can be obtained without a doctor’s referral. While this is a free service, you will be asked to show photo identification and healthcare employee or first responder ID/badge, if applicable.
• Patients utilizing drive-thru testing sites must be seated at a functioning window. Once you get in line at the CBTS, you will not be permitted to exit your car. For the safety of the testing personnel, drive-thru sites will not be able to accommodate walk-up individuals.
• Due to the demand for this service, we anticipate there could be significant wait times associated with these drive-thru community-based testing sites. Please be patient. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you are urged to call your doctor or emergency department to seek immediate care and instructions.

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s website has all of the latest and most accurate information on the all aspects of the state’s actions regarding the pandemic: visit www.dph.illinois.gov. You can also call their hotline at 800-889-3931, or email questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PLAINFIELD — As people struggle to make rent and mortgage payments, keep their small businesses afloat, and deal with the other hardships created by the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is urging the Will County Board to immediately establish a panel to distribute federal CARES Act funding to residents in need.

“Will County was awarded money to help the residents of our area combat the financial hardships they are facing due to COVID-19,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “We must work quickly and diligently to make sure the needs of all Will County residents are met in a timely manner.”

The federal government passed the CARES Act in March to provide financial relief for workers, families, small businesses and local governments that have been impacted fiscally by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is up to county officials to decide where Will County’s share of the money goes.

In addition to supporting local health operations, Bertino-Tarrant is asking the county to consider establishing grants to prevent evictions, creating a program to provide forgivable loans to small businesses that have experienced interruptions due to COVID-19 and providing direct financial assistance to families or individuals.

“It is imperative to establish a process for reviewing and distributing dollars to address the needs of our residents,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “People throughout the community are struggling, and it’s up to us, the area’s public officials, to prioritize those we serve.”

WOOD RIVER – In response to the lack of inventory available for Metro East residents at food banks, organizers have planned a multi-city community food drive, and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is urging residents who can to donate to help those in need.

According to event organizer Tom Anderson, the collection site will be on the corner of Illinois Rt. 140 and Texas Blvd. in Bethalto from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. With a drive-thru style drop-off plan, volunteers will be accepting donations at that location for Community Hope Center in Bethalto, Crisis Food Center in Alton and Day Spring Four Square Church in South Roxana.

ROLLING MEADOWS – Residents of the Northwest Suburbs will be able to get tested for COVID-19 safely and easily at a new drive-thru testing site opening May 20 in Rolling Meadows, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced.

“Especially as we start the reopening process, increased testing is one tool we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Murphy. “The best way to make sure you aren’t spreading the virus is to get tested. It’s easy and free—if you think you may be at risk of infection, I encourage you to visit this new site.”

The new site will be located in the parking lot of Rolling Meadows High School at 2901 Central Rd. and will offer testing services seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can be tested for the virus without a doctor’s order. You can also get a test if you’ve been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19, if you have a compromised immune system or other chronic medical condition, or if you are a front-line worker, whether or not you are experiencing symptoms.

At drive-thru testing sites like the one in Rolling Meadows, patients must remain in their vehicles—walk-ups will not be accepted. Testing is free, but patients will be asked to show photo identification and a health care employee or first responder ID badge, if applicable.

“There are lots of people who need tests, so keep in mind that the wait times at these sites may be significant,” said Murphy. “Please be patient with personnel and the other people in line. We’ll get through this if we work together.”

Testing sites continue to open across the state. For the most up-to-date list of these sites, as well as testing hours and contact information, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/testing-sites.

DOLTON – To help students who are seeking post-secondary education, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) is encouraging high school graduates to apply for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship. 

“Many of our student’s families are not able to pay for college,” Harris said. “College is costly, so students should take advantage of this scholarship, especially since many have extra time on their hands right now.” 

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship has been a catalyst for many low-income students who would not be able to afford certain expenses upon arriving at the higher learning facility. 

SPRINGFIELD - Marking the first step of its reopening plan, the Illinois secretary of state’s office will reopen seven driver services facilities, including Springfield-Dirksen, to provide drive-thru services for vehicle registration sticker transactions beginning Tuesday, May 19.

“This has been a source of major concern for some of the people I represent,” said State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). “I appreciate the thoughtful planning by the secretary of state’s office to ensure that Illinoisans can access these vital services in a safe way that doesn’t compromise the health of staff or customers.”

Located at 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, the facility will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. All employees will wear face masks, and customers are encouraged to do the same.

Since Gov. JB Pritzker’s Stay at Home Order took effect, more than 600,000 people have renewed their stickers online, an increase of approximately 65%.

Customers are still encouraged to renew their vehicle registration stickers online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Driver’s licenses can also be renewed online.

DANVILLE - Beginning Tuesday, May 19, the Tilton Department of Motor Vehicles will offer a drive-through service to assist customers with vehicle registration sticker transactions, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday. 

“Since COVID-19 hit, the secretary of state’s office has encouraged residents to utilize their online services,” Bennett said. “By offering limited services at select DMVs, we are starting to see the progression forward, while still prioritizing customers and workers safety.” 

Tilton was one of seven facilities selected to open due to the configuration of the building which allows for drive-through transactions. All employees will wear face masks and customers are encouraged to do the same. 

The hours of operation will be Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to noon. 

Bennett continues to urge the public to renew their vehicle registration stickers online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com for those customers who able. All expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and vehicle registrations have been extended at least 90 days after Driver Services facilities reopen.

Bennett also reminded residents the federal government extended the REAL ID deadline by one year. The deadline is now October 1, 2021.