White encourages renewing online

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding the public that expirations for license plate stickers are set to end Nov. 1, 2020. License plate stickers can easily be renewed online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Driver’s licenses and ID cards remain extended until Feb. 1, 2021.

“I encourage the public to renew their license plate sticker online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com from the comfort on their own home,” White said. “Online renewals for license plate stickers have skyrocketed since June 1, and if you pay with an e-check, the payment processing fee is waived through the end of the year.”

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CHICAGO – The Senate held a joint hearing Monday to discuss the vast disparities Illinoisans face in access to treatment for addiction and mental health disorders. State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) advocates for prioritizing mental health through a holistic approach.

“It’s crucial that we examine the intersections of mental health, bias and incarceration rates,” said Van Pelt, chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “One in five people shot and killed by the police suffered from mental illness. People who should be getting treated for their illnesses are instead being abused, killed and locked up. We must begin to look at these issues differently.”

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CHICAGO – As the global pandemic continues to reveal racial disparities in the health care system, State Senators Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) called for massive reforms as part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC)’s fourth pillar agenda.

“In order to truly fix the issues of health disparities amongst African Americans, it is important that we examine the root causes,” Hunter said. “For centuries, Black people have been disrespected, abused and misused in the name of health care. Though we cannot solve these issues overnight, we can start by addressing our afflictions piece by piece.”

“Black people have always been at the bottom of the totem pole in this country,” Van Pelt said. “Due to grave injustices regarding access to quality and affordable care, we are more susceptible to various illnesses, including COVID-19. We need a strategic plan that implements real and lasting change in order to reach true equity in our health care systems.”

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