Joyce issues statement in response to new mitigation efforts

• Kankakee County
• Mitigation
• Restore Illinois
• Will County
• Region 7

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement Tuesday in response to new COVID-19 mitigation measures in Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee Counties:

“The new mitigation efforts imposed in our region will require us to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If we want to get back to where we were at the beginning of Phase 4, I urge residents to take the appropriate steps to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing, wearing masks and adhering to other health and safety guidelines put in place by our public health officials.

“As we work through these new mitigation measures, let’s not forget about our small business community. Local businesses still need our patronage in the weeks ahead. Order takeout. Purchase gift cards. I urge you to join this effort and do your part to overcome this pandemic.” 

Joyce partners with Citizens Utility Board to help residents lower utility bills

• CUB

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to host a free virtual utility bill clinic to help consumers save money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to partner with CUB to help people find alternative ways to reduce their utility bills,” Joyce said. “As families and individuals continue to face tough financial stressors, this clinic is a great resource to make sure their utility usage and costs are in check.” 

Starting Aug. 25 at 9 a.m., residents will be able to register for a virtual one-on-one consultation with a CUB professional to discuss lowering their electric, water, gas, phone, cable and internet bills. After registrants have selected a time slot, they will receive details for a private video call with a CUB representative.

During the clinic, the representative will evaluate participants’ bills to determine if they are signed up with an alternative supplier or paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let participants know if they are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

For more information on the program, visit www.citizensutilityboard.org or contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.

Joyce urges households to complete 2020 Census to prevent undercount

• Census
• Kankakee County
• Grundy County

PARK FOREST – With many households still uncounted in the 2020 Census, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to respond to ensure a complete and accurate count.

“The COVID-19 crisis has made the census count more difficult, but also that much more important,” Joyce said. “An undercount could affect our neighborhoods in terms of funding and representation for the next 10 years.”

Currently, communities in Grundy and Kankakee Counties have responded at critically low rates. Only 55.6% of Kankakee residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 64.6% of residents in 2010. In Pembroke, just 40.1% of residents have been counted – a decade ago, 54.9% of residents responded. East Brooklyn is also below the target level, having only 52% of residents complete their census forms.

Residents can complete the census for their household at www.my2020census.gov. Higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in person. This year, census surveyors are putting their and their families’ health at risk of COVID-19, and limiting visits may mean saving lives.

“Your community is counting on you to fill out the Census,” Joyce said. “If you still need to participate, please take some time to fill out the questionnaire.”

To see local responses rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us.

Joyce encourages struggling households to apply for utility assistance programs

• COVID-19
• DCEO
• LIHEAP
• Utilities

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.