Joyce to host Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event

SOUTH CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Ahead of next Saturday’s Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representatives in Springfield.

“Giving residents the opportunity to come to the table and provide input on what’s happening in our community or in Springfield is vital, and that’s why my office continues to host events like this,” Joyce said. “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at HiWay Bakery located at 2633 Chicago Rd., South Chicago Heights.

Senator Joyce aims to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and dates in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

This event is free and open to area residents.Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Joyce stresses grain bin safety

Grain Bin Safety Week is February 20-26

KANKAKEE – To prevent fatalities on the farm during the busy harvest season, Senate Agriculture Committee chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining officials in reminding farmers and farm workers to be cautious when working in and around grain bins.

“There is a responsibility that comes with living in a rural area, we have to continue to take care of friends and neighbors” Joyce said. “With delayed emergency response times, it is crucial to review all safety precautions.”

While essential to Illinois’ harvests, grain handling equipment and storage containers can quickly become dangerous. In 2020, Illinois Fire Departments responded to a nation leading 12 rescue incidents at Illinois grain bins and elevators.

“Often times we become complacent when doing tasks we have done a thousand times and for farmers that often means working in and around grain bins,” said IDOA Director, Jerry Costello II.  “Unfortunately, problems involving flowing grain can snowball quickly. That’s why it’s important to set aside time to go over safety measures, to prepare farmers for a potential grain bin emergency.”

To learn safety tips and find additional information to stay safe during harvest, click here. 

Joyce measure to address teacher shortage moves out of Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To help eliminate the teacher shortage in Illinois, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) advanced a measure out of the Senate to increase the number of days substitute teachers may cover for licensed teachers in the classroom.

“This measure will help our superintendents deal with the ongoing teacher shortage,” Joyce said. “This legislation allows substitutes to stay in the same classroom for longer, giving students more consistency.”

Currently, Illinois law allows substitute teachers to cover for a licensed teachers for up to 90 days. Joyce’s measure would increase the amount of days substitute teachers can stay in the classroom to 120. This measure helps keep substitute teachers in the same classroom, instead of having to teach lessons they are less familiar with after 90 days.

There are currently 4,120 unfilled positions in Illinois schools. This number includes administrative, school support personnel and teaching positions. Find out more information on the teacher shortage from the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.

Senate Bill 3893 cleared the Senate and advances to the House for further consideration.

Joyce offering residents resources for tax assistance

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging families in need of assistance filing their 2021 income taxes to take advantage of new assistance programs offered by the Internal Revenue Service and AARP.
 
“Filing taxes can be stressful, but there are resources available to help,” said Joyce. “Please share this information with friends and loved ones who need assistance filing their tax return.”