ELGIN – In an effort to spread more information about and to encourage businesses owners to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is partnering with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to host a BIG webinar on Monday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.

“The Business Interruption Grants are a great way for businesses owners who are facing financial pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic to see some of that burden lifted,” Castro said. “I look forward to working with DCEO to host this informative webinar and I hope it motivates business owners to apply for a grant.”

The webinar will discuss eligibility, the application process and requirements, and the best way to use the grants to be successful, among other information. Registration is required, and can be done by clicking here.

VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) wants to make sure DuPage County are aware that expiration dates for Illinois driver’s licenses and IDs have been extended until Feb. 1, 2021. All expired driver’s licenses and IDs will remain valid until then.

“Extending these important deadlines will provide relief to many and help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Cullerton said. “We all must work together to keep our communities healthy. This smart step will help prevent long lines and overcrowding at our local driver services offices.”

The secretary of state’s office has repeatedly pushed back the deadline to renew expiring licenses since the pandemic began. The newly extended deadline will also cover driver’s licenses and ID cards set to expire in October, November, December and January.

Older adults age 75 and over have also had their driver’s license expiration dates extended by one year. The new expiration date is the motorist’s birthday in 2021.

However, expiring license plate stickers will not be valid past the current Nov. 1 deadline, as they can easily be renewed online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Other common services, such as requesting a replacement or duplicate driver’s license or ID, are also available on the website.

“The secretary of state’s office as worked diligently to allow residents to renew and request services online,” Cullerton said.  “This is a smart move to help reduce long lines and cut down on overcrowding at our local offices for residents who have no choice but to go in.”

Illinois residents who must visit a driver services facility should be aware that they will be required to wear masks. They may also have to wait outside for an extended period of time to maintain social distancing and should take the weather into account when planning a visit.

For more information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

MACON –State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) met with Meridian High School administrators and advocates Thursday to discuss a proposed state-of-the-art agricultural education facility for the district. 

Manar, who sits on both the Senate Agriculture and Education Committees, has long advocated to increase opportunities for students wishing to explore careers in agriculture. 

“A healthy agriculture industry is essential to the economic wellbeing of Downstate, and we need to invest in the future leaders of this industry,” Manar said. “Facilities like the agricultural education center at Meridian High School will allow for the adequate training of the next generation of farmers, cementing our status as an agricultural standard bearer for decades to come.”

Upon completion, the 4,800 square-foot classroom, shop, and greenhouse would build upon an already firm foundation in Meridian Community Unit School District by providing the capacity for technologically based agricultural education. The space would allow students to learn agriculture mechanics, agriculture welding, and veterinary practices for livestock.

“I’d like to thank former Senator Duane Noland for bringing this project to my attention and shining a light on the efforts of Superintendent Andy Pygott, Mr. Jerry Brockett, and members of the Meridian Ag Foundation, who are providing the steady leadership a project like this one requires,” Manar said.