Aurora, Ill. – 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 Oswego, sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Representative Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office.

The free event will be available to motorists Friday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill Place in Oswego.

“The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people access these important state services,” Holmes said. “I encourage people to take advantage of this safe and convenient way to renew driver’s licenses or vehicle registration.”

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Employment Security and Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology have launched a new identity verification and multi-factor authentication solution for IDES’ unemployment insurance benefits system, according to Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Labor Committee Chair Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

“During the course of the pandemic, IDES experienced problems with security for the accounts and personal information of unemployed Illinoisans filing claims. States across the nation experienced fraud as unemployment hit unprecedented levels,” Holmes said. “This new ILogin system will strengthen existing protections for users and help the agency find and deal with fraudulent activity attempts.”

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will now begin to restore its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in North Aurora, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced Monday. Holmes chairs the Senate Labor Committee and sponsored an unemployment omnibus bill reforming IDES processes and funding in the spring.

“Restoring in-person unemployment and workforce facilities will make it easier for area residents to get back to work and address any issues regarding unemployment claims,” Holmes said. “The devastating effect of the pandemic on the economy have brought working families unprecedented adversity.”

Scheduled appointments are required at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance at 2 Smoke Tree Plaza in North Aurora. To schedule an appointment, people should call the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217-558-0401 and request a callback. 

Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes is sponsoring a food drive benefitting the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry for Hunger Action Month. For the entire month of September, area residents can drop off urgently needed food items at a variety of locations throughout the 42nd district. 

"September is Hunger Action Month, and we need to unite as a community to address food insecurity," Holmes said. "All donations are going to families in need so, please consider donating some urgently needed items. Your generosity is much appreciated."