CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

The free event will be available to motorists Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chicago Heights Park District, located at 1400 Chicago Road.

“Currently, Chicago Heights motorists do not have a convenient location for accessing DMV services,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to partner with the secretary of state’s office and Rep. DeLuca to give drivers a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees while the DMV is unavailable.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

"I urge my constituents to take advantage of this Mobile Department of Motor Vehicle opportunity," DeLuca said.

Joyce reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended an additional year to Oct. 1, 2021.

In addition, Joyce invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

For motorists unable to attend, Joyce intends to host another mobile unit event in December.

With questions or for additional information, contact Senator Joyce’s office at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com or call 708-756-0882.

KANKAKEE – With businesses in Will and Kankakee Counties still struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) said businesses can’t wait another three days to return to Phase 4 and called on Gov. JB Pritzker to immediately lift the mitigation restrictions imposed on Region 7.

“Three weeks ago, the governor imposed strict mitigation restrictions on Will and Kankakee Counties, which triggered immediate mitigation,” Joyce said. “Not only were the restrictions significantly tighter than those in other regions, but businesses were given only 24 hours’ notice to comply. This decision came as a crippling blow to our small business community.” 

Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee counties, saw its positivity rate drop to 6.4% on Wednesday, below the state-set threshold of 6.5%. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health says the region must stay under 6.5% for three consecutive days to rejoin most of the rest of the state in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois reopening plan.

“We have to get businesses back on their feet sooner, rather than later,” Joyce said. “Businesses are prepared to safely reopen and operate their establishments—they should be rewarded for doing their part to contain the virus in our community.”

Joyce is also urging small businesses affected by COVID-19 resurgence mitigations to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions. 

Businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the support they need to cope with current mitigation efforts. 

PARK FOREST - To help small businesses affected by COVID-19 resurgence mitigations, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging business owners to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grant (BIG) funding.

“With this new round of grants, small businesses will find economic support as they continue to navigate the pandemic,” Joyce said. “Because small businesses are bearing the brunt of this crisis, it’s really important that they take advantage of this funding.”

The BIG program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.
 
BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.
 
To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks. Another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Many Joliet-area businesses may qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible zip codes, click here.

Additionally, businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the support they need to cope with current mitigation efforts. 

“These grants are critical in keeping small businesses afloat,” Joyce said. “I am inviting any business that has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 to apply for assistance starting Thursday.”
 
During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. Businesses in Will and Kankakee Counties were awarded a combined $420,000 during the first round.
 
Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging Kankakee County residents to dispose of their household hazardous waste at a collection event on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

“This event provides residents of Kankakee County and surrounding areas the opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other hazardous products,” Joyce said. “This event will lead to safer homes and a cleaner environment for our community.”

The free event is sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and will take place at Kankakee Community College, located at 100 College Drive in Kankakee, allowing residents to dispose of unused or leftover household products commonly found in homes at no cost.

Residents are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides, old or outdated medication, and similar hazardous household products.

Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collection event.

For safe transport of household hazardous waste, residents are asked to:

• Pack household hazardous waste items in a disposable box to avoid spilling during transport.
• Keep like chemicals together and separate unlike chemicals.
• Secure lids and make sure containers are not leaking.
• Place box(es) of household hazardous waste in the empty trunk of the vehicle, away from passengers, during transport.
• Remain in the vehicle at collection site. On-site personnel will remove the household hazardous waste from the trunk of the vehicle.

The following items cannot be disposed of during the event: latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals and business wastes. A complete list of household hazardous wastes that are and are not accepted is available online here. 

The collection event is open to all Illinois residents. For questions or additional information, please contact the Waste Reduction Unit of the Illinois EPA at 217-524-3300.