PARK FOREST - State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) encourages residents to nominate an Illinoisan who has shown unwavering commitment to conservation efforts in Illinois for the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s (ICF) 2020 Outdoor Hall of Fame.

“As an outdoorsman and outdoors enthusiast, I can’t stress enough how vital conservationists are for protecting our natural spaces,” Joyce said. “I encourage people to nominate someone who has worked tirelessly to improve and enhance public spaces for generations to come.”

Since 2002, the ICF has recognized people who have records of commendable service and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois.

Past inductees have led efforts to preserve and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, to protect and restore Illinois’ lakes and rivers, participated on the national and international stages in conservation advocacy, and provided resources for thousands of youth and adults to enjoy fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education.

Nominations must be submitted by July 8, 2020 on the official Hall of Fame Nomination form, which is available at a link on the ICF website:  https://ilconservation.org/Who-We-Are/Outdoor-Hall-of-Fame

For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003 or visit www.ilconservation.org.

PARK FOREST - As severe weather season in Illinois approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges Illinoisans to develop an emergency plan.

To help Illinois residents prepare for severe weather season, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide that covers flooding, severe weather terms and tips for staying safe.

“Severe weather can happen at any time,” Joyce said. “Major flooding, such as the floods along the Illinois River and its tributaries, happen with little warning, which is why it’s crucial for families to develop an emergency plan.”

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, IEMA recommends a few new items be included in your emergency supply kit, including face coverings for every member of your family, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. Other items to include in a basic emergency supply kit include water, food, NOAA weather radio, flashlight, batteries, phone charger and prescription medications. A complete list can be found online at www.ready.gov/kit.

For more information, IEMA offers severe weather preparedness information on the Ready Illinois website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.

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.