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.
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.
VILLA PARK— To prevent unnecessary danger to seniors in Illinois, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is alerting drivers age 75 and older that their driver’s license expiration dates have been extended by one year.
“The one-year extension for our seniors will help delay a visit to the DMV during this awful pandemic,” Cullerton said. “This move will help at-risk DuPage County residents keep their driving privileges and proof of identity without putting their health and safety at risk.”
In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid driver's license. Those seniors whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.
For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility must wear a face mask. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.
“There is not an immediate need for this vulnerable population to put themselves at risk,” Cullerton said. “I urge our older populations to take advantage of this extension and stay safe."
Cullerton continues to encourage drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.
VILLA PARK –To provide support to DuPage County business owners encountering economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) announced 27 small businesses will receive nearly $500,000 through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.
“This program will help our small businesses keep their doors open and employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cullerton said. “I am thrilled to see so many local businesses receive much-needed assistance to stay afloat and continue to support our communities.”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.
First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.
Cullerton has worked tirelessly to cut red tape, increase assistance programs and ease regulations for small businesses across the state. He pledges to continue to support policies that keep the 23rd State Senate District safe, schools well-funded and property taxes low.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our state,” Cullerton said. “We must continue to give them the resources to be successful as they work toward reopening and keeping our communities safe.”
The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.
For more information, Cullerton urges residents to visit his website at www.SenatorTomCullerton.com or call his office at (630) 903-6662.
VILLA PARK — To support the reopening of local child care providers after months of financial distress, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is urging providers to apply for Child Care Restoration Grants.
“I know residents like to send their children to facilities that are clean and adhering to safety guidelines during this pandemic,” Cullerton said. “As workers head back to work they should have the assurance that their children are safe and happy. This grant will allow child care services to reopen while giving them the support to keep children safe.”
The Illinois Department of Human Services is distributing $270 million in available funding to assist child care providers across the state with reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed child care providers that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for Child Care Restoration Grants.
“Child care facilities serve as an essential support to help parents and caregivers enter and stay in the workforce,” Cullerton said. “It is our duty to ensure local child care providers will be able to weather the economic hardship of this pandemic so residents can safely go back to work as the state’s economy gets back on track.”
To be eligible for the grant, child care providers must:
Applications are open from now until Aug. 14. To learn more and apply, child care providers should visit www.inccrra.org/.
VILLA PARK – To encourage more qualified people to enter the education field, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is excited to announce seven DuPage County schools will receive Education Career Pathways Grants from the Illinois State Board of Education.
“Our teachers train the future leaders of our great state,” Cullerton said. “This grant will help DuPage County schools recruit qualified and passionate teachers to guide and educate our children.”
The DuPage Area Occupational Education System #090 has been awarded $248,997, which will be distributed to seven high schools in DuPage County to assist these schools in developing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to prepare students for careers in education. Among this group Addison Trail High School, Willowbrook High School and Lake Park High School are set to receive this assistance.
CTE programs help students develop technical and employability skills while strengthening their core academic abilities to enable them to pursue higher education opportunities and succeed in the workforce. Students in CTE programs also have the opportunity to earn dual credit or credentials and certifications from partner institutions prior to high school graduation.
The programs will place a special focus on recruiting underrepresented students into education careers to help meet the high demand for teachers of color across Illinois.
“Schools with educators from diverse backgrounds support students’ cultural identities and enrich the learning atmosphere for all children,” Cullerton said. “We must continue to implement programs that encourage diversity and inclusion at every stage of our students' lives.”
Nearly $2 million in total funding has been awarded to 11 Education for Employment Systems statewide to recruit and support future educators at 62 high schools and vocational centers. For a full list of grant recipients or to learn more about career and college readiness programs in Illinois, visit www.ISBE.net/CTE.
VILLA PARK – To recognize older adults who have contributed to communities through service, education, the workforce or the arts, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-VILLA PARK) urges residents to nominate a senior they know for the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.
“There are special individuals throughout our district who continue to serve our communities in different ways,” Cullerton said. “Take some time to nominate an older family member, friend or neighbor who goes out of their way to make our neighborhoods a better place.”
The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments by seniors in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates—one from each category—are inducted.
Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.
Since its creation in 1994, 121 people have been inducted into the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.
“We have heroes across DuPage County who continue to serve and help make our communities a better place. They deserve to be recognized for their selfless acts,” Cullerton said.
The Illinois Dept. on Aging has extended the submission deadline through Monday, Aug. 31. Nominations may be submitted online or by calling the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs promotes ‘Operation Rising Spirit’
VILLA PARK – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois’ veterans are unable to meet with friends and family members since visiting restrictions are in place at state veterans’ homes to curb exposure to the virus.
To brighten the days of the state’s veterans population the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs launched a campaign to raise the spirits of military veterans and the staff who care for them, and Tom Cullerton, the Chairperson of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee is urging residents to participate.
“Our veterans have put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and this is one small way for us to raise their spirits and show them we still appreciate the sacrifices they made to keep our great nation safe,” State Senator Tom Cullerton said. “I encourage DuPage County residents and our students looking for ways to help the community to take just a little time to send uplifting messages to our heroes.”
Families, friends, students, veteran service organizations, and other community members from across the state are encouraged to participate in Operation Rising Spirit. Cards, emails, signs and video messages can be sent directly to the homes at the addresses below:
Illinois Veterans' Home at Anna
792 N. Main St., Anna, IL 62906
C/O: Anthony Barnett
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Illinois Veterans' Home at LaSalle
1015 O'Conor Ave., LaSalle, IL 61301
C/O: Susan Scully
Illinois Veterans' Home at Manteno
1 Veterans Dr., Manteno, IL 60950
C/O: Dave Pedersen
Illinois Veterans' Home at Quincy
1707 N. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301
C/O: Sara Colgrove
Prince Home at Manteno
C/O Wali Lewis
More information is available on the IDVA website.
VILLA PARK— State Senator Tom Cullerton is urging residents to take advantage of the two new testing sites located within DuPage County in Wheaton and Willowbrook. The new Wheaton drive-through COVID-19 testing site will open at the DuPage County Complex, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, starting on Tuesday, June 16. All residents of DuPage County can be tested, and no appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed.
“Testing is key to combating and ending the spread of COVID-19 throughout our communities,” Cullerton said. “I hope with early detection residents will be able to receive timely health guidance and help reduce the spread of this awful pandemic.”
The DuPage County COVID-19 testing site, which will be accessible through the County Campus’ main entrance off County Farm Road, will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until 400 tests are completed each day. The COVID-19 test is free. To ensure the safety of workers on site, the test will be done while residents are sitting in their vehicle. Vehicles must have a functioning window. No motorcycles will be allowed to enter the site due to safety concerns.
In addition, DuPage County is supporting a testing site in Willowbrook, which will double the number of individuals who are able to be tested and receive a physical health check. Beginning this week, and continuing until August, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, testing will be available through Pillars Community Health with drive-up testing at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School, 16W631 91st St, Willowbrook. Residents do not need to be an existing to Pillars Community Health patient or enrolled at Anne Jeans School to be tested.
Testing is available to anyone with symptoms of COVID-19; anyone with a known exposure to COVID-19 (such as those who have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19); or asymptomatic people who are high-risk patients, first responders, health care workers, or essential workers and wish to be tested.
Limited tests are available and appointments are required for this testing site. To schedule the appointment, please call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) and follow the prompts. Appointments will be scheduled in the following time slots: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to .1 p.m. Insurance will be billed; if you do not have insurance, please call Pillars Community Health at 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) to discuss financial options.
"I encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to please get tested and help save lives,” Cullerton said. “We all must continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19."
To learn more, Cullerton urges residents to visit the DuPage County COVID-19 Dashboard at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19data.
SPRINGFIELD – To battle increasing suicide rates, State Senator Tom Cullerton advanced a measure to ensure suicide prevention information is readily available to college students.
Cullerton (D-Villa Park) advanced Senate Bill 2495, which requires state public universities and community colleges to publish numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the Crisis Text Line on the back of each student identification card.
“Improving access to mental health resources is a simple step state universities and community colleges can take to save lives,” Cullerton said. “Students are constantly required to use their student ID card to access sporting events, dorm rooms or utilize their meal plan. Ensuring these lifesaving helplines are easily accessible can be the difference between life and death.”
Distracted driving and driver safety are issues that always need attention. As more young people drive and technology gets faster, the need to remind people of the perils of distracted driving increases exponentially.
Senate Democrats approached road safety with an even greater sense of urgency following a tragically dangerous year for Illinois State Troopers on the road. In total, 15 state police cruisers were struck while on the side of the road. Three of those accidents resulted in fatalities in what was described as an unprecedented spike in collisions.
State Senator Steve Stadelman passed Senate Bill 86, which clarifies that drivers may not use electronic devices to stream videos while they are driving, including tablets, laptops and video game controllers.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Tom Cullerton is taking action to help eliminate the backlog of evidence sitting unchecked at state forensic labs.
Cullerton (D-Villa Park) passed House Joint Resolution 7, which directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Sciences.
“Forensic evidence can make or break the outcome of a case,” Cullerton said. “These scientific procedures are increasingly important in solving crimes. It is imperative that we speed up this process to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly.”
The resolution directs the Auditor General to examine crime labs’ equipment, procedures, and staffing levels with the goal of identifying and reporting to the General Assembly on factors preventing them from compliance with federal rules on swiftly processing evidence.
The current backlog of biological evidence includes numerous cases of violent crimes, including murders, shootings, and criminal sexual assaults, that end up being delayed for long periods of time. It typically takes at least one year for biological evidence to be processed by the state crime labs.
In today's climate where police and prosecutors are increasingly scrutinized about their procedures, DNA evidence is crucial to the successful prosecution of criminal cases.
“One of the most important players in any type of testimony often isn't a person but the forensic evidence,” Cullerton said. “Our hope is this report will provide the General Assembly with the knowledge to help give the Illinois State Police the necessary tools to drastically improve turnaround and ensure they are in compliance with federal protocols.”
This bipartisan initiative is sponsored by State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) in the House.
House Joint Resolution 7 passed the Senate’s State Government Committee with bipartisan support and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
SPRINGFIELD – Companies that profit off the use of their customers’ data would need to disclose precisely how they’re using it under new legislation by State Senator Tom Cullerton.
Cullerton (D-Villa Park) passed the Data Transparency and Privacy Act, which requires companies that collect personal information about consumers to identify what type of information is being collected and to what third parties the company is disclosing the consumer's personal information.
“Illinois residents deserve to know what personal information companies are storing and sharing,” Cullerton said. “It’s plain and simple: This is your personal information, and you have the right to know who has access to it.”
The proposed law requires companies that share personal information to a third party to make that information available to consumers, free of charge.
“Our entire financial livelihoods occur online now, from paying our electric bills to buying our groceries,” Cullerton said. “Using the internet should not require you to sacrifice privacy and personal security.”
The Illinois Attorney General’s Office would have the authority to enforce the law.
“It’s vital, as we embrace new technology in our business practices, that state laws evolve with the needs of the people of Illinois,” Cullerton said. “This change will help protect residents’ privacy and security.”
The legislation is House Bill 3358. It passed the Senate’s Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
VILLA PARK – In light of the last couple of deadly months on the highway for the Illinois State Troopers, Senator Tom Cullerton is pushing for greater awareness of existing laws that require Illinois drivers to slow down and give officers a wide berth.
Cullerton (D-Villa Park) championed Senate Bill 947, which would require the Secretary of State to include information about Scott’s Law in every vehicle registration notice it sends to motorists. Scott’s Law requires that drivers must move over, if possible, and slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle.
“Every day, State Troopers put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Cullerton. “In turn, we must do whatever we can to put a stop to these preventable, senseless accidents. It is plain and simple – when you see an emergency vehicle pulled over on the side of the road, you need to move over.”
SPRINGFIELD – To help eliminate redundant bureaucracy, State Senator Tom Cullerton passed a measure to prohibit the State of Illinois from creating new units of local government.
Cullerton (D-Villa Park) passed Senate Bill 1215, which would prohibit the General Assembly from creating any new unit of local government until Jan. 1, 2022.
“As a state with nearly 7,000 units of government, we need to take proactive steps to reduce and eliminate unnecessary layers bureaucracy,” Cullerton said. “This measure will put a stop to the overzealous creation of government entities while our municipalities evaluate and consolidate services to promote the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”
VILLA PARK – Medical professionals may soon have access to training to help ensure individuals with developmental disabilities are as comfortable as possible, thanks to State Senator Tom Cullerton.
Cullerton (D-Villa Park) passed Senate Bill 1214 last week, which requires the Department of Public Health to ensure that those who draw blood employ the most current methods available when treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Medical visits can be stressful for all of us, but especially for people with developmental disabilities,” Cullerton said. “We need to ensure that communication and sensory issues are taken into account when medical professionals complete procedures such as blood draws.”
Senate Bill 1214 was an initiative of Michael Baker, the parent of a young adult son with autism.
“I would like to thank Senator Tom Cullerton for taking up this legislation in the Senate and listening to the healthcare needs of my son with autism,” Baker said. “I hope that this legislation to improve training and equipping of healthcare professionals on how to draw blood from all children and adults with developmental disabilities in a safe and comfortable manner, will lead to more progress in the quality of healthcare for people like my son.”
Senate Bill 1214 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and will move to the House for consideration.
SPRINGFIELD – Having blood drawn can be a very anxious thing for a child with autism. Thanks to Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), medical professionals may soon have access to training to help ensure individuals and developmental disabilities are as comfortable as possible.
Cullerton advanced Senate Bill 1214 on Tuesday, which requires the Department of Public Health to ensure that those who draw blood have the most current method of drawing blood from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities available.
“Health care professionals strive to provide the best possible care to all patients,” Cullerton said. “This measure ensures that they receive training on the best practices to draw blood from patients that are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Autism and Down’s syndrome have a good medical experience.”
The Department of Public Health will be required to compile current methods of drawing blood from children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Senate Bill 1214 was an initiative of Michael Baker, a parent advocate of a young adult son with a developmental disability.
“Medical visits can be stressful for all of us, but especially for individuals who can often face extra challenges,” Cullerton said. “We need to ensure that communication and sensory issues are taken into account when medical professionals perform procedures such as blood draws.”
Senate Bill 1214 passed the Senate’s Committee on Public Health with bipartisan support and will move to the full Senate for consideration.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Tom Cullerton and Suzy Glowiak, joined DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin and representatives of the Transform Illinois coalition on Wednesday to highlight and support proposed legislation limiting the size, scope and cost of local government.
“Government consolidation is one powerful tool we can use to find efficiencies,” Cullerton said. “Transform Illinois continues to be vital in helping lawmakers reduce the government’s footprint without sacrificing services for local residents. I look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure government evolves with the needs of the people of Illinois.”
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