CREST HILL – In an effort to combat COVID-related isolation and winter blues, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) is collecting handmade and store-bought valentines to be given out at local long-term care facilities.

“Many residents in these facilities haven’t been able to spend time with their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Connor said. “A handmade card or a kind word can go a long way toward fighting loneliness and putting a smile on their face.”

Connor is encouraging churches, schools and community members of all ages across the 43^rd District to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Cards will be accepted through Thursday, Feb. 10. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various local long-term care facilities.

Cards can be left in the box outside Connor’s office or mailed to:
State Senator John Connor
20660 Caton Farm Rd.
Unit D
Crest Hill, IL 60403

For those delivering cards in person, Connor reminds people to wear a mask and maintain social distance. Connor’s office can be reached at 815-207-4445 with any questions.

LOCKPORT – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) is reminding drivers they now have an additional three months to renew their licenses. 

"By choosing to stay home and access secretary of state services online, residents can protect themselves and others from COVID-19,” Connor said. “As we work together to stop the spread, I hope that members of our community will take advantage of this great resource.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended to March 31, 2022, with the exception of commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.  

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Connor encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services 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. 

Connor is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities. 

More information and online services, including license plate renewal, can be found at ilsos.gov. 

LOCKPORT – A new law signed Thursday that was championed by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) will address a looming water crisis in the Joliet region and ensure a clean and reliable water source for years to come.

“Without reliable, clean water, our communities are crippled,” Connor said. “Finding a new water source before 2030 isn’t optional—we have to act now for ourselves, and in the interest of future generations.”

The underground Cambrian-Ordovician sandstone aquifer system is the primary source of water for the Joliet, Romeoville, Shorewood, Lockport, Lemont, Channahon, Elwood, and Minooka communities. An assessment by the city of Joliet revealed that the aquifer is being depleted at twice its natural recharge rate, and is expected to be fully depleted in 2030.

Connor’s law, ran as Senate Bill 280, offers a solution to the communities. The new law establishes the Regional Water Commissions Act, which would allow municipalities to form a regional commission to build, own, and operate a water system. This water commission will be able to build and operate a 31-mile pipeline to the city of Chicago water system, providing a connection to Lake Michigan water for the community.

The pipeline will bring clean and sustainable water to the region, as well as thousands of construction jobs.

“Big problems call for bold, innovative solutions,” Connor said. “This law will allow our community to proactively respond to, and ultimately prevent, an impending crisis.”

The law is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) accepted the James Brodie Excellence in Legislation award at the Illinois Security Professionals Association’s 60th Annual Awards and Honors Gala on Tuesday.

“Everyone who carries a gun as part of their job should be properly trained — it helps protect them and helps protect our families and communities,” Connor said. “I am both honored and humbled to have received this recognition, and I am proud to join the Illinois Security Professionals Association in their mission to increase professionalism, knowledge and expertise of those involved in security.”

The award comes in response to Connor’s legislation to prevent potentially fatal accidents by increasing training requirements for private detectives and private security guards who want to carry firearms.

Existing law required security guards to complete 40 hours of basic training to be licensed as private security contractors. Guards employed by corporations were able to carry weapons without completing the required training if the corporation they work for employs five or less armed guards. The new law requires all armed employees to complete the training and creates even more stringent training requirements for private detectives and private security contractors.

“ISPA is delighted to present Sen. Connor with this award in appreciation for his efforts to help keep our communities safe,” said Ernie Kuhnke, President of the Illinois Security Professionals Association.

The ISPA has been an advocate for security professionals in Illinois since 1961. To learn more about the association or get involved, visit their website.