Child support on the rise

The threat of losing their driver's licenses has prompted more than 3,000 Illinois parents to pay about $1.3 million in child support since the beginning of the year, officials said Tuesday. Under the new program, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services sends warning notices to parents who owe at least $2,500 in child support and have an Illinois driver's license. If the parent does not reply, their names are sent to the secretary of state, who suspends the license 60 days later. "We work to make sure drivers on the road act responsibly and that responsibility extends to providing the necessary support for their children," Secretary of State Jesse White said in a statement. About 20 other states have similar programs.