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.

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.