PARK FOREST – In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take advantage of free testing.

“Getting a test is safe, quick and easy, and it helps keep you and your neighbors safe,” Joyce said. “If you have COVID-19-like symptoms, I encourage you to get tested as soon as possible.”

If a person believes they have been exposed to the virus, they should get tested 5-7 days after exposure – even if they don’t feel ill. Studies have shown people who are asymptomatic for the virus are still able to spread it to others, who may become visibly sick and require medical attention.

Individuals with symptoms that may be COVID-19 should also get tested, even if they don’t believe they need medical care.

Illinois has tested more than 3.8 million COVID-19 specimens since March and continues to expand testing throughout the state.

There are nearly 300 testing sites across the state, including 11 state-operated community-based testing sites and 12 mobile testing teams that conduct tests at facilities experiencing outbreaks – including nursing homes and correctional centers – and areas around the state reporting increased cases. All state-operated testing facilities are free.

More information about locations, testing hours and requirements can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

PARK FOREST – Approximately 147,000 older adults will avoid long lines and crowds at the DMV, thanks to a renewal extension of expired driver’s licenses for drivers 75 and older, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Wednesday.

“There’s no need for older adults to rush to a facility, thanks to the secretary of state’s driver’s license renewal extension,” Joyce said. “This allows vulnerable Illinoisans to keep their driving privileges and proof of identity without putting their health and safety at risk.”  

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility must wear a face mask. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Joyce continues to encourage drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

PARK FOREST – To help residents pay their electric bills during times of economic hardship, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to apply for aid through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“With many Illinoisans facing income losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, families across the state are struggling to keep the lights on,” Joyce said. “Residents who need help paying their utility bills should take advantage of the LIHEAP program to relieve some of that financial burden.”

LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households and senior citizens afford home energy services, including heating, gas, propane and electricity. Enrollment for LIHEAP is currently underway and will continue through June 2021. Joyce is urging seniors and households in need of assistance, especially those with disconnection notices or high past-due balances, to apply online as soon as possible.

“It’s important for people to know there is assistance available,” Joyce said. “As we continue to navigate this pandemic, this program could help low-income families and seniors keep their utilities running.”

To find a local administering agency near you, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

PARK FOREST – Following a destructive storm that blew through northern Illinois Monday night, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging storm victims without power to visit local cooling centers and seek food assistance if needed.

“Crews have been working nonstop to restore power to the areas hit hardest by Monday’s storm,” Joyce said. “If you lost power and are in need of a place to cool off, please take advantage of a public local cooling center.”

The following locations are available as cooling centers:

• Bourbonnais Public Library: 250 W. John Casey Rd., Bourbonnais
• Bradley Public Library: 296 N. Fulton Ave., Bradley
• Bradley Village Building: 147 S. Michigan Avenue, Bradley
• Department Of Human Services: 285 N. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee
• Frankfort Village Hall: 432 W. Nebraska Street, Frankfort
• Kankakee County Building: 189 E. Court St., Kankakee
• Kankakee Public Library: 201 E. Merchant St., Kankakee
• Northfield Square Mall: 1600 N. State Rt. 50., Bourbonnais
• Pembroke Township Senior Center: 40119 S. Wheeler Rd., Pembroke
• The Salvation Army: 148 N Harrison Ave, Kankakee
• United Way Kankakee County: 200 E. Court St #500, Kankakee
• Village Hall/Church of the Cross: 13043 E. 2260S. Rd., Pembroke
• Village Hall: 105 W. Washington St., Momence

All cooling centers will operate in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines.

Joyce is also encouraging families and individuals in need of food assistance to visit a distribution site near them.

“Without electricity, people are unable to keep their food cold and are often forced to throw out their perishables,” Joyce said. “Households that are still without power should visit their local food pantry for a fresh, nutritious meal.”

These area organizations are offering food assistance:

• Bloom Township: 425 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
• Center of Hope: 395 N. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee
• First Baptist Church of Park Forest: 80 N. Orchard Dr., Park Forest
• Kankakee County Community Service: 657 E. Court St., Kankakee
• Salvation Army Kankakee: 148 N. Harrison Ave., Kankakee
• St. Irenaeus Catholic Church: 78 Cherry St., Park Forest

Anyone that needs additional assistance can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.