AURORA – The Illinois Department of Employment Security and Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology have launched a new identity verification and multi-factor authentication solution for IDES’ unemployment insurance benefits system, according to Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Labor Committee Chair Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

“During the course of the pandemic, IDES experienced problems with security for the accounts and personal information of unemployed Illinoisans filing claims. States across the nation experienced fraud as unemployment hit unprecedented levels,” Holmes said. “This new ILogin system will strengthen existing protections for users and help the agency find and deal with fraudulent activity attempts.”

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will now begin to restore its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in North Aurora, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced Monday. Holmes chairs the Senate Labor Committee and sponsored an unemployment omnibus bill reforming IDES processes and funding in the spring.

“Restoring in-person unemployment and workforce facilities will make it easier for area residents to get back to work and address any issues regarding unemployment claims,” Holmes said. “The devastating effect of the pandemic on the economy have brought working families unprecedented adversity.”

Scheduled appointments are required at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance at 2 Smoke Tree Plaza in North Aurora. To schedule an appointment, people should call the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217-558-0401 and request a callback. 

Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes is sponsoring a food drive benefitting the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry for Hunger Action Month. For the entire month of September, area residents can drop off urgently needed food items at a variety of locations throughout the 42nd district. 

"September is Hunger Action Month, and we need to unite as a community to address food insecurity," Holmes said. "All donations are going to families in need so, please consider donating some urgently needed items. Your generosity is much appreciated."

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to compel pet stores to get their animals from animal shelters or animal control facilities, co-sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker Friday.  This new law bans the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills in pet stores, and instead provide shelter or rescue animals who need loving homes.

“Unfortunately many consumers don’t know a major source for pet stores are puppy mill animals from unscrupulous breeders whose breeding practices result in sick and sometimes terminally ill animals,” Holmes said. “I’m proud to have helped push legislation on a pet store business model that has been growing across the U.S., where they feature animals from local shelters or rescue groups.”