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Budget Compromise Will Keep DMVs Open, But License Plate Reminders Still Won't Come In The Mail

Illinois driver's license

When you get your drivers' license renewed, chances are you're going to a building that the state doesn't own; it leases. Due to the budget impasse, Illinois hasn't paid its rent checks, electric or water bills since July.

Dave Druker, with the Secretary of State, says while most have been patient, one landlord was close to kicking the state out, and a utility sent a shutoff notice.

"You know these are folks that are in business. And they've honorably entered into contracts with us -- leases, and we hope that they can be paid as soon as possible," Druker said.

The Secretary of State should soon be able to pay its bills; it's set to receive $10 million from the compromise, partial budget plan.

Druker says the office is also putting a priority on paying the company contracted to do data security. But Druker says the Secretary of State won't be able to resume sending license plate renewal reminders by mail. It stopped in September, when money for postage ran out.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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