PLAINFIELD — By now everyone should have received their 2020 census form, and State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is encouraging people to take 10 minutes to complete it. 

“The census has never been easier to finish, and you can do it all without having to meet a census taker in person,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “The answers you provide will help support our community.” 

The census is safe, secure and confidential. The letter people should have received in the mail contains their household’s Census ID number, which is used when filling out the census online at my2020census.gov.

People can go to the website, click the “start questionnaire” button on the right side of the screen and answer the questions. It should take no more than 10 minutes. 

Responses will help each community — from influencing highway planning to determining how money is distributed to public school programs. By filling out the census, residents help ensure their communities get the resources they need.

“Please take time to help shape the future. Your response matters,” Bertino-Tarrant said. 

More information about the 2020 census can be found at 2020census.gov. 

PLAINFIELD — Many Illinoisans have spent weeks self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak, and some are now feeling more stress and worry due to the unknown and lack of social interaction.

State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is sharing resources to help people manage their mental health.

“We are living in an unprecedented time where nearly everyone is feeling some type of added stress or anxiety — and that’s OK,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “If you’re struggling with your mental health, please reach out. There are services out there to help you and people who want to help.”

The Will County Chamber of the National Alliance on Mental Health offers specialized resources for individuals who may need assistance through a crisis line. The line is available 24 hours, seven days a week and can be reached at 815-722-3344. The hotline can direct you to a comprehensive suicide hotline, suicide intervention and prevention, and over-the-phone counseling.

Bertino-Tarrant also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:

    • Connecting with friends and family online,

    • Keeping regular work hours while at home,

    • Preparing healthy meals,

    • Exercising regularly, and

    • Staying up to date with accurate information.

“While it’s imperative to practice social distancing, social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t still connect with friends and loved ones,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “It’s important to continue to take care of yourself, stick to a routine, and do things that make you happy.”

Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. Both resources are available 24/7.

Senator Bertino-Tarrant’s office can be reached at 815-254-4211 or here to assist with state services. More information about COVID-19 can also be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD - Due to limitations on current in-person coursework, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is spreading awareness of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations' deadline extension. 

"During this trying time, people should not be forced to worry about whether they will be able to renew their professional licenses on time," Bertino-Tarrant said. "I applaud the department for recognizing the struggles many Illinoisans will face due to the restrictions on in-person classes."

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced a number of measures aimed to assist licensees and education providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional licenses issued by the agency that have a renewal date between March 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 have received an automatic extension to renew before Sept. 30, 2020.

Additionally, all current licensees under the department's jurisdiction whose license renewal deadline falls between those dates will have until the end of September to complete their continuing education coursework. The coursework can be done through interactive webinars and online distance education.

"The very people who must renew their licenses are the people we are relying on right now," Bertino-Tarrant said. "It is imperative to protect their well-being and reduce person-to-person contact."

SPRINGFIELD — If you begin to feel ill with symptoms that could be COVID-19, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is urging you to call your doctor’s office before going in. 

“If you go into the office without notice, you aren’t just potentially exposing yourself to COVID-19, you could be exposing others,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “In order to not spread the virus further, please call, so they can provide you with directions.”

If you feel sick, it is important you call your health care provider before going into the office. The health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and potential exposures. If they believe you need medical care, they will arrange treatment without putting other’s health at risk.

At this time, however, people with severe illness and those at higher risk of complications get priority when it comes to COVID-19 tests, according to the governor’s office.

Most people have mild symptoms, and the best thing they can do for themselves is isolate at home and follow the directive of their health care providers. 

“Please continue to take care of yourself and call your provider if you are ill,” Bertino-Tarrant said.