DMV Facility Changes Take Effect on September 1
On Friday, September 1, all Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities (DMV) are adopting new hours of operations, while many are moving to appointment-only for select services.
As of September 1, all DMVs will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Only 16 facilities will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Additionally, appointments are now required for driver services at many DMVs, including the issuance or renewal of drivers’ licenses/State ID cards, REAL IDs, and in-car driving tests. Vehicle-related services, such as titles, registrations, or license plate renewals, do not require an appointment. Appointments can be made by visiting ILSOS.gov, or by calling (844) 817-4649.
Please visit ILSenateGOP.org/DMVchanges for more information and to view a full list of appointment-only facilities and a list of DMV sites that have Saturday hours.
Madigan Ally Found Guilty of Perjury, Obstruction of Justice
On August 24, Tim Mapes, often referred to as the gatekeeper to former House Speaker Mike Madigan, was found guilty in Federal Court of lying to a federal grand jury and obstructing the federal investigation into his former boss.
Jurors deliberated for five hours before bringing forth a “guilty on all charges” verdict. Mapes could face up to 25 years in prison for his crimes and will be sentenced in January. Madigan goes on trial for a long list of charges that include racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion in April 2024.
State Senator Terri Bryant continues to advocate and push for measures that bring about meaningful ethics reform to root out political corruption in Illinois and says this case is just another example of why reforms are needed.
Mental Health Grant Program for Rural Farmers Expanded
Following the great success of a six-county pilot program in Fiscal Year 2023, a state grant program that provides funding for mental health services for farmers has now been expanded to all 102 counties in Illinois. Through the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI), farmers and farm families can access a telehealth helpline and access six free telehealth mental health sessions.
The program is also funding up to 20 grants of $1,000 each to support Illinois FFA chapters that put local initiatives in place that encourage access and increase awareness of mental health resources and overall personal wellness. Schools will be able to apply for these grants in the fall of 2023.
The funding for the program was obtained from a grant application to the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Farmer Assistance Helpline is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-833-FARM-SOS.