Peoria – To alleviate some of the financial anxieties many families are facing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the state tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15,  a move State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said will help take some financial and emotional pressure off Illinoisans.

“The decision by the governor to extend the Illinois state tax filing deadline is incredibly prudent,” Koehler said. “This will provide relief to workers who find themselves in uncharted territory as it pertains to their employment status and income. We have plenty of folks who are worried about where their next paycheck may be coming from. The last thing that needs to be on their mind at this moment is how they’re going to be paying their tax bill.”

Over the course of the past several weeks Koehler has diligently worked to share vital information with constituents to help ease the burden that our communities are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He encourages those with further questions to either contact his office via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by calling (309) 677-0120, or visiting the Illinois Senate Democrats’ coronavirus resource hub at http://illinoissenatedemocrats.com/covid-19

CHAMPAIGN – While Driver Services facilities remain closed to the public, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding people that expiring driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and other transactions will be extended at least 30 days after facilities reopen.

Secretary of State Jesse White closed all Drivers Services facilities statewide through April 30 due to the extension of the governor’s Stay at Home Order. After the facilities reopen, people will be able to renew documents that have expired during the closure with no penalty.

“I applaud the secretary of state’s efforts to keep employees and the public safe through this public health crisis by offering many services online,” Bennett said. “You may not physically be able to go to these facilities right now, but you can utilize their services from home.” 

Bennett is encouraging residents to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. These services include:

• renewing a vehicle registration;
• applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• obtaining a driving record abstract;
• renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

“Utilizing these online services will reduce foot traffic and check-in lines once Drivers Services facilities reopen,” Bennett said.

Bennett is also reminding residents that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline an additional year to Oct. 1, 2021. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

Bennett urges residents with questions or concerns to call his office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com. 

NAPERVILLE – With Illinois’ Stay at Home Order extended through April 30, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is sharing mental health resources with residents.

“Staying physically and mentally health is imperative in this challenging time,” Ellman said. “If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other problems, there are resources available to help.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Wheaton can be reached at 630-752-0066 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.