CHICAGO – To help ensure that residents continue to receive mailed vehicle registration reminders and avoid costly late fees, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is introducing legislation that allows the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to allow select businesses to advertise on the notices.
“Unexpected costs can throw a wrench in working families’ budgets and can be the difference in being able to pay rent or other bills on time,” D’Amico said. “This proposal allows vehicle registration reminders to continue to be sent out, regardless of the status of the state budget.”
D’Amico’s proposal, House Bill 394, will provide private funds to make the vehicle registration reminder program self-sufficient. In October of 2015, due to the budget impasse, the Secretary of State’s Office ceased mailing out reminders, causing fines on working families to increase dramatically. By allowing advertisers to supplement the cost of mailing, D’Amico’s measure makes sure that regardless of the status of the state budget, residents will continue to receive their reminders. Under the bill, potential advertisers will have to participate in a strict vetting process before they are given space on the reminders.
“Motorists should not be penalized for the legislature’s inaction on a budget,” D’Amico said. “As the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, it’s important to me that we offer the most streamlined, efficient and cost-effective services to motorists in our state.”
For more information, please contact D’Amico’s full-time constituent service office at (773) 736-0218.