PARK FOREST - As the Illinois River Valley continues to experience record-breaking rainfall, the dangers of catastrophic flood levels increase.

In order to mitigate flood levels the Illinois National Guard, Department of Transportation, and Department of Corrections deposited 150 million sandbags along the river, supplementing local efforts.

“In flood emergencies, we must act strategically and swiftly,” State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) said. “We want to make sure people stay as safe as possible under the current conditions.”

National Guard personnel and IDOC detainees who have been dispatched to help address the flood emergency have been screened for COVID-19 in order to keep the communities safe.

“Floods can cause a lot of property damage. In these trying times, it may be difficult for folks to replace some of the items lost to the flooding,” Joyce said.

According to Grundy County Emergency Services, residents have reported damage ranging from household items to structural damage.

Grundy County residents who have experienced flood damage can call Grundy County Emergency Services at (815) 941-3212 in order to assess their individual cases.

SPRINGFIELD - In order to offer much needed relief to Illinois property taxpayers, the Illinois State Senate passed a measure that defers tax sales and gives counties the ability to extend homestead exemptions and waive late fees.

“Communities I represent pay up to three times the national average on property taxes, which can be a huge financial burden,” State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) said. “We have to offer as much relief as we possibly can, especially knowing the hardships many are facing right now.”

Senate Bill 685 gives chief county assessment officers the authority to approve homestead exemptions without applications in 2020 for people who have disabilities, are veterans with disabilities, and senior citizens who qualifies for assessment freezes.

Exemption extensions permitted if:

• The county board has previously declared a local disaster related to COVID-19; 
• The owner of the property as of Jan. 1, 2020 is the same owner as of Jan. 1, 2019;
• The applicant for the 2019 taxable year has not yet asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2019 or 2020 taxable year;  
• The exemption for the 2019 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is promoting the state’s new Get Hired Illinois web portal, which connects workers with available job opportunities and a new partnership with Coursera to provide Illinoisans with professional development.

“I know many have lost their jobs during these unprecedented times,” Joyce said. “I encourage everyone who has lost their job to use this new website to help find work.”

The Get Hired portal combines resources from the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information on both unemployment and job opportunities in one location. The page is designed for job seekers of all levels and backgrounds and allows employers to upload jobs, virtual career fairs, and training opportunities.

Job seekers and employers can access the page here.

Nearly 60,000 job opportunities across a range of industries are currently available on the Get Hired portal, and more will be made available in the coming weeks. Additionally, more than 70 employers have committed to hosting virtual job fairs through the site.

The state is also launching a new partnership with Coursera to provide professional development opportunities for individuals looking to navigate new career pathways. After completing these online programs, participants will have the opportunity to continue their studies at a local community college or university, or to connect with employers through their local workforce boards.

Unemployed Illinois residents can access the Coursera platform on Illinois WorkNet beginning June 1, 2020.

PARK FOREST - State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex)  highlighted that the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will help commercial drivers continue delivering and producing essential goods.

There are three Commercial Drivers License facilities now open to meet the demand being placed on commercial and agricultural enterprises delivering and producing essential goods.

“Farmers and truck drivers heavily rely on vehicles that require a CDL,” Joyce said. “We need to keep these testing facilities open during this crisis to ensure essential products are delivered safely.”

 While only a limited number of facilities are set to reopen, the secretary of state’s office will be taking the necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of employees and applicants.

The locations and hours of the facilities open include:

• Springfield Dirksen, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Marion, 1905 W. Rendelman St., Tuesday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-noon 
•  West Chicago, 120 Powis Rd., Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

CDL driving tests will be conducted by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 217-785-3013. All other CDL transactions will be first-come, first-served. For more information, please visit cyberdriveillinois.com.