MARYVILLE – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event in Maryville, sponsored by State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office.

“The mobile unit is a simpler, more convenient option for residents to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility,” Crowe said. “I encourage anyone in need of a safe, easy way to renew and pay fees to attend this upcoming event.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

Crowe reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023.

In addition, Crowe invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents are encouraged to contact Crowe’s office at 618-251-9840.

WHO: State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe and Secretary of State Jesse White’s office

WHAT: Secretary of state mobile unit event 

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.       

WHERE: 35 Executive Plaza Court, Maryville, IL 62062

SPRINGFIELD – To express her respect for the brave men and women who choose to serve their country in uniform, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is highlighting two new laws that strengthen consumer protections and cut down on bureaucracy for military members in Illinois.

“Our state’s military men and women, veterans, and their families endure many challenges in order to keep us safe,” Crowe said. “With these initiatives, Illinois leads the nation in showing appreciation and support for our most courageous heroes.”

Service members and military spouses with nursing, pharmacy or dentistry certifications will be able to return to work in a new community more quickly under House Bill 2776, which requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to expedite professional license applications submitted by service members or their spouses within thirty days.

“When families move to the Metro East from other states to work at Scott Airforce Base, it can be a time-consuming process for their families to receive appropriate documentation to start work again,” Crowe said. “By expediting this process, we send a message to incoming military families that we appreciate their service and commitment to our country.”

To prevent service members and veterans from falling victim to misleading marketing and fraud, House Bill 3865 requires private companies that advertise benefits appeal services to publicly disclose identical services are available for free through their county’s veteran service departments.

House Bill 2776 and House Bill 3865 are both effective starting Jan. 1, 2022.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) issued the following statement after her predecessor, former State Senator Bill Haine passed away:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of a true giant from the Metro East, former State Senator Bill Haine. I had the good fortune to replace Bill in the State Senate in 2019 when he retired. But, I have known him for many years as our professional relationship and friendship began in the Madison County state’s attorney’s office. 

"Bill was a dedicated and committed public servant and an even better person. As a U.S. Army veteran and elected official, Bill was a true leader for our region and worked to ensure quality educational opportunities for students across the state. His legacy and accomplishments, as well as many people’s fond memories of his unwavering strength and courage, will last for many years to come.

"Bill, thank you for everything you have done for the 56th Senate District, the Metro East and the state of Illinois. My condolences to his wife, Anna and family, as he will surely be missed.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is highlighting two initiatives signed into law Thursday aimed at advancing safety and improving mental health resources for first responders.

“In order to protect our first responders and other highway workers, drivers should always use caution, slow down and move over when approaching vehicles with flashing lights along the roadway,” Crowe said. “Far too many public servants have lost their lives due to distracted drivers, and Illinois will not tolerate carelessness.”

House Bill 3656, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, adds an aggravating factor if a motorist disobeys Scott’s Law while using a handheld cell phone and clarifies a driver’s responsibility for reacting to an oncoming emergency roadside situation.

Senate Bill 1575 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health to create an online resource page with a comprehensive collection of mental health resources specifically geared toward first responders.

The site is expected to launch in January 2022 and will include information on crisis services, wellness, trauma, nutrition, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, violence prevention, suicide prevention and substance use.

“First responders serve our communities under intense pressure, and many of them need assistance in prioritizing their mental health,” Crowe said. “By making resources readily available online, our state is working to ensure all emergency workers have access to support as needed.”

Earlier this year, ISP reported a total of 1,340 Scott’s Law violations during the 19-day period between Feb. 18 and March 7.