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.

ESSEX – In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging families to put together a secure fire safety plan.

“It’s possible that a fire can ignite at any moment in your home,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is essential that all families have a strategy to keep themselves and their children safe in case of an emergency.”

The National Fire Protection Association reported that more than 38% of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

Illinois law requires households to have smoke alarms within 15 feet of every bedroom and at least one on each floor of the home. In October 2019, DCFS launched a statewide program to provide free smoke alarms to families served by the department.

“Your family’s safety is a priority. It is important all homes have working smoke alarms,” Joyce said. “Frequently check your smoke alarms to make sure they are functioning. It could save lives.”

Families served by DCFS may request smoke alarms from their caseworker or call their local field office directly to request one. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit www.fpw.org.

ESSEX – Millions of Illinoisans are waiting to receive their tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan. State Senator Patrick Joyce is reminding residents they can easily check their rebate status online.

“This rebate is providing many people with financial relief,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I encourage everyone to check the status of their rebate.”

The Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. The rebates began to roll out Sept. 12, leaving many to wonder when they will receive relief.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. To check the status of a rebate, click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” An IL-PIN number is necessary to check the status. To find an IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

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 independent, 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.

“The rebates being distributed should help families and individuals pay for every day expenses,” said Joyce. “Don’t worry if your rebate hasn’t arrived yet. Checking the status online will help you anticipate when it will arrive.” 

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

CHICAGO HEIGHTS– Last Friday, State Senator Patrick Joyce joined local community leaders to launch the Southland Reactivation Act. The purpose of the Southland Reactivation Act is to attract development, create jobs and lower property taxes in the south suburbs.

“This bill is a big win for the Southland community. It will break the cycle of disinvestment that has been happening for too long in this area,” said Joyce. “This economic development tool has the potential—at no cost to the State— to address blight, expand the tax base, create local jobs in the south suburbs and assist in reducing property taxes for homeowners.”

The bill targets commercial and industrial properties that have shown a clear pattern of economic stagnation or decline of real estate taxes as a result of depressed conditions. The property must be located in Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Rich, Thornton or Worth Townships in Cook County.

Identified properties that meet qualifying criteria would be assessed at 50% of the last known equalized assessed value. For the first year a property is certified as a southland reactivation property, the aggregate tax bill liability for the property cannot exceed $100,000. Discounts on the liability would decrease gradually, but continue for a total of 12 years.

Alongside this, a web page was unveiled on the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association’s website that further explains the plans of what is to come, as well as eligible properties, which can be found here.