PLAINFIELD – To keep people from crowding at local secretary of state’s offices, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is reminding people of the many extensions offered by the office, as well as what services can be completed online.

“COVID-19 has created greater risks for people to go out in public – especially older adults,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “I am pleased to see expiration dates have been extended so people can avoid going out and not have to rush to get them renewed.”

To ensure elderly drivers stay safe from both COVID-19 and heatstroke, drivers over the age of 75 received an automatic one-year extension on expired or expiring driver’s licenses and state IDs. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify for the extension.

Additionally, Bertino-Tarrant would like to remind other drivers that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1. Expired documents will remain valid until that day, so customers under the age of 75 also do not need to head to a driver services facility immediately.

The secretary of state offers a variety of online services, including sticker renewals, to allow Illinoisans to steer clear of crowded facilities and long lines. For transactions that must be made in person, people can pre-register from their computer or smartphone to speed up the process.

Visit cyberdriveillinois.com for more information and to explore online service options.

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.

PLAINFIELD — To help business owners who have faced financial uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) announced more than 25 local business in Will and Kendall Counties will receive assistance through the Business Interruption Grant Program. 

“Small businesses owners are dealing with a lot of uncertainties,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Our small businesses play a vital role in our communities, and I am pleased many have been awarded assistance to keep their doors open.”

A total of 26 business in Will and Kendall Counties received a combined $420,000. Each business received between $10,000 and $20,000 to be used to help 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.

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.

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding, including a special program for child care providers. The application deadline for the child care program is Aug. 14.

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.

PLAINFIELD — To help families searching for relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is highlighting additional unemployment benefits and rental assistance for families who are still struggling.

“The public health crisis has led to severe financial losses for thousands of Illinois families, at no fault of their own,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “These programs will help Illinoisans begin to bounce back from their hardships by ensuring they don’t have to worry about how they will be able to keep a roof over their heads.” 

The Illinois Housing Development Authority is offering support through the Emergency Rental Assistance program for renters who are at risk of homelessness when the moratorium on evictions expires later this month. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have fallen behind on their rent since March 1 and must be able to demonstrate income losses as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Applications open Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. and will be available at ERA.IHDA.org. The application period will close no later than Aug. 21. However, it may close earlier if IHDA receives an overwhelming number of applications, so renters are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Successful applicants will be notified within 2-3 weeks of submitting their forms. 

While applications are only available online, community partners are available to help people who cannot complete an application over the internet. A list of these partners will soon be available in the Resources section of the program’s website and at (888) 252-1119.

An Emergency Mortgage Assistance program will launch later this month to assist homeowners who are struggling financially.

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that 20 weeks of state extended benefits are available to people who exhaust the allotted 26 weeks of regular state unemployment and the additional 13 weeks of federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. 

People with questions or those who need assistance with unemployment benefits should visit IDES.Illinois.gov.

PLAINFIELD — As a result of our current situation, some people are forced to stay in dangerous situations because they have nowhere else to go.

State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is reminding people the importance of reporting suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of all people — but especially those who may not be able to speak up on their own, including older adults and people with disabilities.

“Victims of abuse can be too afraid to report on their own, or do not have the means to do so,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “It’s up to everyone to be aware of the signs of abuse and keep an eye on neighbors, customers, and our loved ones.”

Alongside the Illinois Department on Aging, Bertino-Tarrant is advocating to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from abuse. The three-year campaign — pegged as Engage2Change — received a $2.1 million grant from the federal Administration for Community Living.

Through the use of television, email marketing and other digital platforms, the campaign will focus on educating people about the signs of abuse and encouraging them to do their part to prevent future problems.

“People who suspect abuse should report it immediately,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “We need to ensure those who need help get it as soon as possible.”

People who are victims of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation — or know someone who is a victim — are encouraged to call the Department on Aging’s 24-hour abuse hotline at 866-800-1409, or visit illinois.gov/aging/engage. Trained professionals are available to take reports of suspected abuse and forward them to local adult protective service agencies.

More than $108 million allocated for COVID education funding

PLAINFIELD — State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is pleased to learn more than $100 million will go toward bridging the digital divide in schools across the state and protecting the safety of both students and teachers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every student in the state deserves a quality education and should not be hindered by access to technology,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Technology is a critical tool in learning, and we must invest in it to give students the resources they need to succeed.”

More than $108 million in federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds have been allocated to preK-12 public education and higher education institutions to meet the unique challenges of COVID-19.

A total of $10 million of the funds will support early childhood education programs, while K-12 schools will receive $50 million to close the digital divide, train educators and parents and supply social-emotional supports for students.

In total, school districts will receive $32.5 million to purchase laptops and tablets and $7.5 million to purchase WiFi hotspots and increase internet connectivity for students and their families.

Higher education institutions will receive $49 million, most of which will go directly to public universities and community colleges to help students overcome barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The funds will allow students across the state to have access to essential tools they need to be successful in school,” Bertino-Tarrant, who serves as chair of the Senate’s education committee, said. “We need to support students by closing the digital literacy gap and ensuring equitable technology access for all.”

PLAINFIELD – The federal government is once again accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program, and State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is encouraging business owners to apply for PPP and other forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration.

“Many business owners – especially small, local business owners – are facing financial uncertainty they have never experienced before,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Some are understandably worried about not being able to provide for their families or their employees. Forgivable loans, like the Paycheck Protection Program, will allow them to get back on their feet without losing sleep over how they will pay back the borrowed money.”

To help provide financial support to businesses, the Federal Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration extended the application period for the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses can get up to $10 million in relief funding through the first come, first served program. Under the extended deadline, businesses must apply by Aug. 8.

The financial lifeline helps employers keep people on the payroll and pay overhead expenses. If used as intended, the loans don’t have to be repaid.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans – saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs – according to the Small Business Administration.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if they are used for payroll costs, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages.

To find participating lenders, business owners and managers can visit the Small Business Administration’s website, found here. A new Small Business Development Center recently opened at the Joliet Junior College. Businesses that need help applying for the program should visit the center.

PLAINFIELD — To help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the process of applying for state and federal emergency assistance programs, a new Small Business Development Center opened at the Joliet Junior College, Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Plainfield) announced Thursday.

“Businesses across the state have experienced unprecedented financial challenges during the pandemic,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Many hardworking business owners are still learning how to bounce back, and the centers will provide them with the help and support they need.”

Following months of business losses during the public health crisis, seven new Small Business Development Centers were created across the state to support small businesses during the reopening process.

The Joliet-based center, along with all new and existing centers across the state, will be available to help support businesses with applications for the newest relief programs introduced by the state — known as the Business Interruption Grants Program and the Rebuild Distressed Communities programs.

For more information on the Joliet center and others throughout the state, people can click here.