SOUTH WILMINGTON – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

The free event will be available to motorists Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Wilmington Village Hall, located at 380 Lake St. in South Wilmington.

“The mobile unit makes it easier for folks to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone in need of a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees to attend this upcoming event.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

Joyce reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023.

In addition, Joyce invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

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

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the passage of a comprehensive gun safety and modernization package in the Illinois House today:

“This critical legislation will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, empower partners in law enforcement to act before the next tragedy can occur, and dedicate life-saving mental health funding to communities most impacted by gun violence.

“We chose to move forward with this bill to not let perfect be the enemy of good, as this package contains most of the provisions offered in our initial legislation. It will expand the number of fingerprints on file for police to conduct universal background checks and crack down on illegal gun purchases.

“I strongly urge Gov. Pritzker to sign this vital legislation.”

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to address the backlog of FOID card applications, which negatively affects responsible gun owners, passed out of the House on Wednesday.

“The backlog of FOID applications creates unnecessary hassles for responsible gun owners—a concern which has been raised to me by many people,” Koehler said. “It also creates extra work for the Illinois State Police, whose first priority should be keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and others.”

SPRINGFIELD – Today the Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation, House Bill 2908, spearheaded by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-10) and Representative Delia Ramirez that would enact an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools. Martwick issued the following statement:

“Creating an elected school board allows for more accountability, more democracy, and more community influence on our city’s school board. We need a school board that acts in the interests of our students, families, and communities.

SPRINGFIELD – Following unprecedented job losses and economic hardship due to the pandemic, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) sponsored a bipartisan reform package to address challenges faced by the Illinois Department of Employment Security during the unemployment surge, which has now passed the House of Representatives and is one step closer to becoming law.

“IDES, Democratic and Republican lawmakers, and business and labor groups worked together to craft this omnibus approach,” Holmes said. “It targets the weaknesses revealed in a system that wasn’t designed to address the wave of job losses, phone calls and fraudulent claims all hitting the department at once.”

On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Today, over 150 years later, Illinois now declares June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

The initiative, led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) began as an effort to keep Black history alive in Illinois by creating a statewide celebration of African American freedom and independence. 

“Making Juneteenth a state holiday is a breakthrough in Illinois history,” Lightford said. “It reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans and gives us an opportunity to celebrate our culture and achievements.” 

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in the aftermath of the gun violence at an Englewood community residence in her legislative district that left four people dead and another four wounded:

“My heart aches for the lives that were lost and injured today. Our neighborhoods have seen too many acts of violence, and I extend my condolences to the families of the victims.

“Gun violence is a public health issue that has run rampant for far too long in our communities. I will continue to advocate for increased gun control and more safety resources for our communities. This has got to stop. One more life lost is one too many.

“Every Chicagoan deserves to feel safe on their street, and in their home.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To provide residents with safe local travel and recreation options, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) announced a state investment to construct a bike and pedestrian path in Elmhurst.

“Bike paths provide a safe public space for residents, families and visitors to be physically active and enjoy the outdoors,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This major investment will allow residents to enjoy even more opportunities for safe transportation and recreation, as well as attract visitors to our area.”

The notable project in the 24th District includes $198,000 to build a pedestrian overpass above Route 83 in Elmhurst.

Rebuild Illinois is awarding $105.7 million to 99 projects statewide, including recreational paths and trails, through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. A complete list can be found on IDOT’s website.