CHICAGO – To help unemployed workers find jobs, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) is encouraging people to apply for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions.

“The pandemic has left many workers unemployed and it has been hard for them to find other jobs,” Jones said. “IDOT’s snow removal positions are a great chance for people to seek employment through the agency. These snow removal jobs are critical in keeping our roads safe and could last beyond the winter season.” 

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required. 

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here. 

KANKAKEE – This Labor Day weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is echoing law enforcement to spread the word of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“There is no excuse to drive under the influence,” Joyce said. “This Labor Day holiday, and every day, I would encourage you to think twice before getting behind the wheel. Please make it a point to drive sober, use a rideshare service or call a designated driver.” 

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Aug. 20 through the early morning hours of Sept. 8. During this period, motorists in Kankakee, Chicago Heights and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware. 

“Impaired driving is illegal, and it puts lives at risk,” Joyce said. “Our community is counting on you to keep our roads safe this holiday weekend by wearing a seatbelt, watching your speed and never driving under the influence.”

The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – To help address the widespread blood shortage that continues during this time of abundant need, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Jonathon Carroll will host a blood drive Sept. 15.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Prospect Heights fire protection building, located at 10 E. Camp McDonald Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers said blood containing these antibodies can treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

“Now more than ever we need to be good neighbors to each other,” Carroll  (D-Northbrook) said. “This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to do our part and make sure we have a good supply of blood.”

To schedule a blood donation, people can click here. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins can be seen if slots are open.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

VILLA PARK – The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions, and State Senator Tom Cullerton is urging qualified DuPage County residents to apply.

“We rely on our snowplow drivers to keep our roads safe during the winter season,” Cullerton said. “This is a great opportunity for those struggling to find employment during this awful pandemic.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here.

Participants to receive COVID-19 antibody test

ROMEOVILLE – As the widespread blood shortage continues in a time of abundant need, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Senator Pat McGuire, State Representative John Connor, and State Representative Natalie Manley will host a blood drive Tuesday, Sept. 29.

“Blood donations have been dangerously low since the start of the pandemic but are more necessary than ever,” Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) said. “Donating blood is always crucial. Now, it’s even more important, as it could save a life of someone battling COVID-19.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.  at Romeoville Village Hall, located at 1150 W. Romeo Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers believe blood containing these antibodies can treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities have experienced a severe blood supply shortage,” Manley (D-Joliet) said.  “There is a critical need for blood donations from healthy individuals, and this event will be a safe opportunity to help strengthen our blood supply.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

“The crucial need for blood in normal times is multiplied by the pandemic. Please give,” McGuire (D-Crest Hill) said.

To schedule a blood donation, people can visit donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5588393, or contact Jody Racey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-782-0052.

"Help us to help others – the gift of blood keeps on giving.  Donate at our drive,” Connor (D-Joliet) said.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

PARK FOREST – The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging qualified individuals to apply.

“During the winter season, snowplow drivers are critical to keeping drivers safe over more than 45,000 miles of road statewide,” Joyce said. “If you’ve been job hunting and coming up short, this is a great opportunity to consider as we head into the winter months.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

“With so many Illinoisans out of work, I hope this opportunity allows people to find a stable job during these tough times,” Joyce said.

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here.

FRANKFORT – In an effort to meet the current demand for blood donations in the South Suburbs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a blood drive.

“The COVID-19 crisis has led to a drastic reduction in blood donations throughout the state,” Hastings said. “I’m proud to team up with Versiti to provide a safe outlet for people to make a difference in our communities.”

The blood drive will take place Friday, Sept. 11 at the American Legion Post 111 building, located at 15045 S. West Ave. in Orland Park. Donation hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This facility will follow recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers and donors safe. Appointments and masks will be required, and chairs in all areas will be at least six feet apart.

Healthy and eligible candidates can schedule an appointment to donate by contacting Senator Hastings’ staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, Hastings urges residents to contact his district office at (815) 464-5431 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHAMPAIGN – To support the community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents that testing is critical to virus tracking and response efforts.

“Testing is vital to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Bennett said. “If we want to protect ourselves and others from this virus, we must do our part and get tested when experiencing symptoms or after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.”

If a person believes they have been exposed to the virus, they should get tested 5-7 days after exposure – even if they don’t feel ill. Studies have shown people who are asymptomatic for the virus are still able to spread it to others, who may become visibly sick and require medical attention.

Individuals with symptoms that may be COVID-19 should also get tested, even if they don’t believe they need medical care.

Illinois has tested more than 3.8 million COVID-19 specimens since March and continues to expand testing throughout the state.

“COVID-19 testing is still available in Champaign and Vermilion Counties,” Bennett said. “The preventive measures we take today could mean the difference between life and death for our neighbors.”

There are nearly 300 testing sites across the state, including 11 state-operated community-based testing sites and 12 mobile testing teams that conduct tests at facilities experiencing outbreaks – including nursing homes and correctional centers – and areas around the state reporting increased cases. All state-operated testing facilities are free.

More information about locations, testing hours and requirements can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.