Joyce highlights college affordability and debt relief opportunities

• ISAC
• Higher Education

KANKAKEE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Understanding the college application process can be intimidating and confusing for students and families,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “Resources should be more accessible to help them navigate this process and make higher education more attainable.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

In addition, employees of a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government or non-profit organization may be eligible to have their remaining balance forgiven after making 120 payments while working for a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is assisting students and families who have questions about the program or need help determining their eligibility through informational webinars. The PSLF Limited Waiver ends Oct. 31, 2022, so anyone who thinks they might qualify should apply as soon as possible.

Finally, the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available, making this the perfect time for anyone who might be interested in attending college next year to apply for financial aid. Illinois students who are ineligible for federal financial aid can check out the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to apply for the state MAP Grant and institutional aid.

“Higher education is expensive and the cost can place unneeded stressors on students,” said Joyce. “I encourage all students who think they could use some help to take advantage of the state and local resources available to them.”

To connect with free one-on-one assistance and explore online tools for college planning and financial aid, visit the ISAC Student Portal. Borrowers interested in applying for one-time federal loan forgiveness can learn more at the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Borrowers who work in public service can learn more about PSLF eligibility and complete the form by Oct. 31, 2022 at studentaid.gov/pslf.

Joyce urges women to schedule annual mammogram

ESSEX – As National Mammography day quickly approaches during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging women who may have postponed breast cancer screenings due to COVID-19 to take action and reschedule a comprehensive exam soon.

“Breast cancer affects thousands of women in all corners of our state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is vital that women are being cautious of the signs of breast cancer and schedule their yearly exams for possible early detection of cancer.”

The National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen because of the pandemic.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects over 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year.

“This disease is not something to dismiss,” Joyce said. “I encourage all women to make sure they are up-to-date on their breast screenings and to make mammogram appointments as needed.”

IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process.

Joyce emphasizes the importance of manufacturing in Illinois

• IMA

ESSEX – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association visited CSL Behring in Bradley last week, where State Senator Patrick Joyce spoke about the contributions of CSL to the community.

“Manufacturing has continued to have a significant impact to our state’s economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The amount of jobs and revenue manufacturing brings to our region and state shows this is a major economic driver in Illinois.”

CSL Behring is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that is a global leader in creating products to cure rare and serious diseases. The company employs over 1,800 individuals in the area.

A recent study found the total economic impact of manufacturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year – the largest share of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Manufacturing directly employs 662,298 workers but ultimately supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs, generating up to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents annually.

“This tour is a great opportunity to show the public the different career paths that the manufacturing industry presents in Illinois,” said Joyce. “This industry is important to our state and I’m dedicated to supporting job training programs that allow people to choose these careers in manufacturing.”

To learn more about the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association or to see a list of stops on the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, visit https://ima-net.org/2022-manufacturing-month-chicago-bus-tour/ .

Senator Joyce: Fully funding line-of-duty death benefits is vital

• First Responders

ESSEX – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Patrick Joyce signed on as a chief co-sponsor to a new state initiative to ensure line-of-duty benefits are adequately funded.

“First responders put their lives on the line any time they clock in for a shift,” said Joyce. (D-Essex). “When someone tragically loses their life on the line of duty, that loss is extremely painful to not only the community, but to their family. Families are already mourning the loss of a loved one – they don’t need the added financial stressors.”

In each year’s budget, the General Assembly appropriates funding for line-of-duty death benefits. In the event that insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 guarantees families receive their owed benefits.

“First responders and their families deserve to know they have the support and benefits they need, regardless of what happens,” said Joyce. “When families lose a loved one behind the line, we owe them a debt that can never be repaid.”

Senate Bill 4229 can be brought up as early as the upcoming fall veto session.