Koehler reiterates extension of expiration dates for driver licenses, vehicle registration

PEORIA – Because of the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the coronavirus outbreak, expiration dates for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration will be extended at least 30 days after Driver Services facilities reopen.

“It may not be practical for folks to renew licenses and registrations by the expiration date since these offices are currently closed. Thankfully, Secretary White acknowledged the obstacle Illinoisans face and took initiative to extend those expiration dates,” State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “I’m grateful Secretary White’s office is continuing to offer vital services during this public health crisis. Of course, I look forward to the day when these measures are no longer necessary.”

While Secretary of State Jesse White has closed all Driver Services facilities statewide through April 30 and extended all registrations, licenses, and ID renewals during the closure period, his office continues to offer many services through www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Services available online 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.

There is currently no timetable for the reopening of offices and Driver Services facilities. Secretary White’s office will continue to rely on expert opinion to influence the decision making process.

Koehler lauds decision to extend state tax filing deadline

Peoria – To alleviate some of the financial anxieties many families are facing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the state tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, a move State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said will help take some financial and emotional pressure off Illinoisans.

“The decision by the governor to extend the Illinois state tax filing deadline is incredibly prudent,” Koehler said. “This will provide relief to workers who find themselves in uncharted territory as it pertains to their employment status and income. We have plenty of folks who are worried about where their next paycheck may be coming from. The last thing that needs to be on their mind at this moment is how they’re going to be paying their tax bill.”

Over the course of the past several weeks, Koehler has diligently worked to share vital information with constituents to help ease the burden that our communities are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He encourages those with further questions to either contact his office via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by calling (309) 677-0120, or visiting the Illinois Senate Democrats’ coronavirus resource hub at http://illinoissenatedemocrats.com/covid-19

Q & A webinar for small business owners

This Thursday from 3:00-4:30 pm the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting a webinar for small business owners to learn more about the state and federal programs being offered to help them through this difficult period.

If you're a small business owner and wish to attend the webinar, please register by using this link: https://zoom.us/s/357027304

What can the CARES Act do for your business?

Paycheck Protection Program – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide $349 billion in loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to small businesses and non-profits. Portions of these loans will be forgiven to the extent that recipients maintain their existing workforce or rehire. Loans can be up to $10 million and interest rates are maxed at 4% for portions of the loan that do not qualify for loan forgiveness. Learn more here.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan – The program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Borrowers can request an emergency advance of $10,000 within 3 days of submitting the application and do not have to repay the advance if they are denied a loan. Learn more here.

Subsidy for Current Loan Payments – The SBA will cover up to 6 months of principal and interest payments that are owed on most existing SBA loans. Learn more here.

Training and Advising for Existing Businesses – Additional funds are provided to SBDCs, Women’s Business Centers, and Minority Business Centers for education, training and advising to small businesses. Small Businesses can take advantage of this now.

Aid to Midsize Businesses and Nonprofits – $454 billion will be available from the U.S. Treasury to provide financial assistance through loan programs established by the Federal Reserve. As part of that, a special fund is dedicated to midsize businesses and nonprofits with 500-10,000 employees to provide financing to banks and other lenders to make direct loans to these entities. The interest rate on those loans would be capped at 2%, with no payments due for the first six months. These loans cannot be forgiven.

Significant restrictions will be placed on the midsize business and nonprofit assistance, such as prohibiting paying out dividends while the loan is outstanding. More guidance will be forthcoming from the U.S. Treasury on additional criteria and funding access.

How can you help?

We are still looking for organizations to donate, make or sell personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are interested, please contact the following:
Donate: Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Make: Go to https://bit.ly/3dICp1O
Sell: Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More information available here.

Additionally, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is conducting a survey among small business owners to understand how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted small businesses. This survey is completely optional. Your responses will be anonymous and will not impact your eligibility to receive any financial assistance.

However, your responses will help us communicate your needs to policymakers and provide better recommendations for what they can do to help business owners in this time of crisis. Please fill out the survey here.