Joyce applauds combined $1.9 million for local community revitalization

KANKAKEE – Three communities in the 40^th District will receive funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program, supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are vacant properties all over the region that are not serving their purpose, communities or residents,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s funding like this that allows local governments to restore these neighborhoods and other community areas in order to make them purposeful once again.”

The Strong Communities Program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

Read more: Joyce applauds combined $1.9 million for local community revitalization

Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics

KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don Harmon appointed Joyce as co-chair of the task force along with State Representative Mike Kelly.

“For quite some time, we have seen an issue recruiting and retaining first responders for different emergencies – which is detrimental to our neighbors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m ready to figure out the why, and to find solutions to tackle this shortage of workers in order to keep all of our communities safe.” 

The task force is responsible for discovering the steps Illinois can take to assist local governments to recruit and retain public employee firefighters and paramedics, consider any barriers to the process of recruitment and retention, and outline how well the state provides a pathway for qualified individuals to obtain the necessary skills needed to seek employment of these positions.

“Not having these essential positions filled is a serious problem when it comes to the safety and well-being of all Illinois residents,” said Joyce. “As a co-chair, I believe we will be able to understand the implications and bring light to the issue.”

Joyce’s appointment to the task force us effective immediately and expires January 2025.

Upcoming fall events in the 40th District

Joyce encourages qualified residents to apply for energy bill assistance

• LIHEAP
• Energy
• Assistance

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging qualified residents to apply for this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“As we approach the colder months, electricity bills tend to become higher,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Access to affordable energy is a necessity, and this program ensures that families facing financial hardships can keep their homes safe and comfortable.”

The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

Read more: Joyce encourages qualified residents to apply for energy bill assistance