Feb. 11--Illinois drivers whose license plates expire in March or later will no longer be notified they need to take their cars in for an emissions test, the latest impact on the public from the lack of a state budget.
Normally, if a car hasn't cleared an emissions test, the driver can't renew license plates by purchasing a new vehicle sticker. But the Illinois secretary of state's office will allow motorists to renew their plates until the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency starts sending out reminders again.
The secretary of state's office already has stopped mailing license plate renewal notices due to the budget stalemate. David Druker, a spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White, said there's "no doubt" the frustration is mounting as agencies are forced to make adjustments without state funds.
"Mr. White's thinking around this is he doesn't want to inconvenience the public," Druker said. "If you have a situation where people did not know to get tested, they could come to facilities and be turned down. We're just trying to make it as convenient for people as possible."
The state budget year started July 1, but Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats who control the legislature are at an impasse over a new spending plan. Rauner wants lawmakers to approve his pro-business, union-weakening agenda before agreeing to a budget -- and potentially a tax hike to bring the state's finances closer into balance.
Now in its eighth month, the gridlock has threatened to close universities and led to cuts in programs for the elderly, abused and addicted, all while sending the state's debt soaring.
cbott@tribpub.com
