PEORIA – Thanks to work by the Illinois State Police and legislative initiatives led by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the state’s FOID card backlog has greatly reduced over the past year.

“Our communities have been struggling with the backlog for years,” Koehler said. “Safe and responsible gun owners who are doing the lawful thing by submitting their applications and waiting their turn should have quicker access to obtaining their licenses. I’m pleased to know that the unnecessary hassle and lengthy wait times are dissipating.”

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local small businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants by submitting applications before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Ellman and the General Assembly allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will continue to award grants on a rolling basis.

“Our small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Ellman said. “Even in the face of unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they kept their doors open and provided necessary services. Now it’s their turn to receive much-deserved help.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. DCEO will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13, 2021.

“Some businesses in the area bouncing back already thanks to the first round of grants,” Ellman said. “I hope to see more local business owners take advantage of this great program.”

Ellman encourages residents to reach out to her office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com with questions or concerns.

Aurora, Ill. – 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 in Oswego, sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Representative Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office.

The free event will be available to motorists Friday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill Place in Oswego.

“The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people access these important state services,” Holmes said. “I encourage people to take advantage of this safe and convenient way to renew driver’s licenses or vehicle registration.”

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.

Holmes 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, Holmes and Wheeler invite local veterans to use this event to add a veteran 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, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents are encouraged to contact Holmes’ district office at 630-820-8650 or Wheeler’s office at 630-345-3464.

SPRINGFIELD – In-person appointments and limited unemployment services are available to residents at the Illinois Department of Employment Security office in Joliet, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) announced.

“Working families right here in our community and all across the state have experienced debilitating struggles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Connor said. “Through the restoration of in-person services, we can ensure that our neighbors are receiving the assistance they need and deserve to return to work and get back on their feet.”

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is inviting Romeoville residents to attend her October Coffee and Conversation event on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

“The best part of my job is listening to and receiving feedback from area residents,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our goal is to ensure we are constantly accessible and available to constituents throughout the 49^th District.”

RANTOUL – 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 Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

“The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people utilize these important state services,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to take advantage of this safe and convenient way to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations next month.”

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.

Bennett 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, Bennett 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, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents can contact Bennett’s office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

WHO:                   State Senator Scott Bennett and Secretary of State Jesse White’s office

WHAT:                 Secretary of state mobile unit event  

                WHEN:                 Tuesday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.        

WHERE:               Rantoul Public Library

                                106 W. Flessner Ave. in Rantoul

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) is urging local businesses to submit their applications for the Back to Business grant program before the upcoming Oct. 13 deadline.

“It’s no secret that our small businesses have been hit hard during this pandemic,” Castro said. “For some businesses, the Back to Business grants could mean the difference between staying open or closing for good.”

To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. Overall, the B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic.

Businesses in the 23^rd district have already been awarded nearly $350,000 total through the B2B program. Grants through the program are awarded on a rolling basis, and the deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.

“I urge every struggling small business to submit an application before the deadline,” Castro said. “A robust community of small businesses is vital to our society.”

Learn more about the B2B grant program and start an application on the DCEO website

DES PLAINES – As businesses work to bounce back from pandemic-related losses, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is encouraging them to take advantage of Back to Business grants for assistance.

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.

“A number of local businesses have already received funding to help them keep their doors open while keeping their employees and the community safe,” Murphy said. “Assistance is still available – apply today.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The administration will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13.

Further, to highlight and support local businesses in the district, Murphy launched a small business tour series and requests entrepreneurs to invite her to visit their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

“Our small businesses have overcome unimaginable challenges over the past year and a half. Although we’re approaching recovery, many business owners are still in need of support,” Murphy said. “I look forward to touring our community’s businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their work.”

Business owners can submit their information at senatorlauramurphy.com to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Murphy’s team will reach out with additional details.

Murphy urges residents to reach out to her office at 847-718-1110 or visit her website with questions and concerns.