State to stop mailing vehicle sticker alerts

Take a look at the expiration date on your license plate and remember it because the state of Illinois won’t be sending you a reminder.

On Monday, the Secretary of State’s Office announced that the ongoing budget stalemate is forcing them to cut back on postage costs.

Jacksonville Police Chief Tony Grootens said while this imitative will save the state a few money, it will lead to more traffic stops.

“There would be a definite shut down I would think, especially in the middle of the winter”, says Langfelder.

Until the state can settle on a budget, state-run programs, such as the one that mails out license plate renewals, will have to find ways to stretch their remaining budgets.

“The lack of a Fiscal Year 2016 budget is adversely impacting the Secretary of State’s office, and threatens to jeopardize the services we provide to the public”, White said.

At the end of September, Illinois will have gone three months without a state budget. “As a result, hard decisions like suspending renewal reminder notice mailings are decisions we are being forced to make”, White said. “The state is simply a pass through and they have no right to keep those funds from the citizens”, said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “(Your sticker) is not something you normally check every day”.

People can still continue to receive an email reminder if they choose to go online and register.

White encouraged vehicle owners to be mindful of their vehicle registration status to ensure they renew in a timely manner and avoid driving on expired vehicle stickers.