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.

###