ROCKFORD –Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) to provide assistance to local libraries for pandemic recovery, two libraries in the district he represents will receive nearly $75,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services.

“Libraries have been a valued resource for continued education, growth, and community development throughout the pandemic,” Stadelman said. “This grant program provides the resources needed for libraries to ensure residents are connected to these tools.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased that the Education Design Development and Research Corporation (EDDR) Foundation will receive a $400,000 investment toward pre-apprenticeship programs.

“This investment will provide the EDDR Foundation with the support necessary to further provide pre-apprenticeship training and wraparound support for its participants, while creating a larger space for those who have been underrepresented in the construction industry,” Stadelman said. “I am excited to see the ways Rockford will prosper because of it.”

*image from Mercyhealth

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the state’s request for medical staffing assistance for Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside has finally been granted.

“The omicron variant has caused one of the highest surge in cases since the pandemic started, and it is happening at a time where many hospitals are short-staffed,” Stadelman said. “I am happy the state’s request for medical assistance was granted, as Javon Bea needs more help than ever before.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is reminding Illinois drivers that they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses and ID cards.

“Eliminating long lines and crowded facilities is one step we are taking to help control and slow the spread of COVID-19,” Stadelman said. “With many of the services available online and the new extension, there is no need to hurry to a brick-and-mortar facility to renew your license.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Joyce encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. 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.

Stadelman would like to remind residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at the airport, military bases, and secure federal facilities.

For more information to take advantage of any online service, including plate renewal, please visit ilsos.gov.

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