ESSEX – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the application period for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program will remain open until Sept. 30. This program provides communities with resources to carry out local quality-of-life projects Qualified applicants include local governments and regional planning commissions.

“Having safe and up-to-date modes of transportation is a necessity,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Not only does funding for these quality-of-life projects promote safe travel at the local level, but it also provides much-needed updates, increasing attractiveness of our communities.”

Thanks to the historic Rebuild Illinois plan, an all-time high of $125 million is available to repair or create better transportation modes in communities. To ensure communities with the greatest needs can participate, at least 25% of funding will be set aside for disadvantaged and economically distressed communities.

Projects eligible for funding through the program include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work, and other improvements designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

“Many communities across the state will benefit from enhancement to their local transportation systems,” said Joyce. “I’m encouraging local governments to apply for this funding so we can help repair and create long lasting projects in our communities.”

For more information, including instructions on how to view and participate in webinars on the application process, visit the  Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program page.

ESSEX – To ensure law enforcement have the resources to continue to protect the communities they serve, State Senator Patrick Joyce chief co-sponsored a measure to clarify language in the SAFE-T Act.

“Over the past few months I have had a number of meetings with a bipartisan group of state’s attorneys and law enforcement officials to find the best solution that will give law enforcement and the courts the tools they need to keep people safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Ensuring that law enforcement and the courts retain the ability to protect our neighbors is a top priority.”

Senate Bill 4228 updates many provisions in the SAFE-T Act by clarifying language to address concerns raised by local law enforcement officials. The legislation would amend the pretrial release reforms to only apply to individuals arrested on or after Jan. 1, 2023. The legislation would also permit a judge to deny pretrial release for any alleged crime if the person arrested poses a threat to the safety of any person or the community.

The measure clarifies that officers have the authority to detain trespassers if the person is a threat to themselves, a person, or the community, or if the officer feels it necessary to discontinue the criminal behavior.

“With all the confusion surrounding the SAFE-T Act, it’s important that we make things as clear as possible,” said Joyce. “It is my hope that by clarifying items brought to me by my local State’s Attorneys and police, we will give law enforcement and the courts the tools they feel they need to keep people safe.”

Senate Bill 4228 can be heard as soon as the fall Veto Session.

ESSEX – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“Families all across the state are experiencing financial distress,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The Illinois Family Relief Plan helps people work through those struggles by providing direct relief.”

The Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate– otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. 

“This direct relief will help families get back on their feet following years of financial uncertainty,” said Joyce. “I am proud to have supported a plan that puts money back in the pockets of those who need it most.”

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

ESSEX – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging early childhood education workers who want to pursue additional credentials or earn a degree in early childhood education to apply for a scholarship opportunity.

“Illinois is currently experiencing a shortage of early childhood educators in school districts all around the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Being an educator is a very impactful career. I strongly encourage residents to consider applying for this grant program.”

While the initial deadline for the 2022-23 scholarship has passed, the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission is encouraging individuals to apply. After other financial aid is received, the ECACE can cover up to the total cost of an awardee’s attendance at select schools – including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies. Recipients of the scholarship are expected to continue or return to teaching early childhood care and education in Illinois after their study is completed.

“This program is beneficial to those who have early childhood care experience who wish to acquire additional skills or want to obtain a college education,” said Joyce. “There is no better time than now to take advantage of this program so the state can see sufficient numbers of early childhood educators.”

For more information about the program, eligibility details and an online application, visit https://www.isac.org/ECACEscholarship.