PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging local businesses to apply for the second wave of Back to Business grants before the Oct. 13 deadline.

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.

“I have seen firsthand how the pandemic has impacted our small business community, which is why we must give our local businesses the resources they need to be active and thrive,” Joyce said. “I’m excited and encouraged by the $280,000 our district has received in the first wave of B2B grants, but it’s extremely important that more businesses apply before the deadline.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced.

Joyce encourages residents to reach out to his office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com with questions and concerns.

KANKAKEE – Two area libraries will receive grants to administer mentorship programs for at-risk youth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Tuesday.

“After a difficult year for our students, these grants couldn’t have come at a better time,” Joyce said. “Making sure our at-risk youth have the resources and mentors they need to get back on track is important, and Project Next Generation will help with that.” 

The Bradley Public Library District will receive over $7,000 and the Kankakee Public Library will receive $17,000 in Project Next Generation grants. PNG is a mentoring program established by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help middle and high school students develop technological skills, achieve success through project-based learning, and gain life skills such as effective communication, goal-setting and conflict resolution.

The secretary of state awarded over $530,000 in in PNG grants to libraries statewide. Grants are awarded to libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

Funds were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, visit https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/grants/png.html.

KANKAKEE – To highlight farm and ranch safety awareness, Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is drawing attention to 2021 National Farm Safety and Health Week.

Joyce is joining the Illinois Departments of Agriculture and Labor from Sept. 19-25 to spread awareness and emphasize this year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week theme: “Farm Safety Yields Real Results.”

“The safety and health of farmers and their farms is so important,” Joyce said. “With this being such a stressful time of year for a farming operation, it’s important that we increase awareness of farming hazards and prepare for emergency situations.” 

KANKAKEE – Residents of Kankakee will see significant improvements to local roads as part of a $20 million infrastructure investment, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Wednesday. 

“These projects mark a huge step forward in improving safety, mobility and economic opportunity for years to come,” Joyce said. “In a few short months, our community will reap the benefits of updated roads that will shorten commutes and draw visitors to the area.” 

Three projects in the Kankakee area are currently underway and scheduled to be completed this year, including:

• Resurfacing and bridge repairs on Interstate 57 from mile marker 310 to 302 over Minnie Creek. Daily and overnight lane closures will occur until work wraps up in November.
• Replacement of the bridge deck on Otto Road over Interstate 57. The bridge will be closed until project wraps up in November.
• Overlay improvements on River Road over Interstate 57, which began in April. One lane will be open until the project wraps up this fall.

“The City of Kankakee is thankful for the Rebuild Illinois program that is bringing significant infrastructure improvements and jobs to our community,” said Kankakee Mayor Christopher W. Curtis. “These improvements to the Interstate 57 corridor that serves the City and surrounding Kankakee region will help our ability to attract new industry, as well as laying the groundwork for future improvements of exit #312 and #308 interchanges.”

When construction is underway, motorists should anticipate delays and may wish to seek alternate routes. Joyce encourages drivers to obey posted construction zone speed limits and watch out for workers on construction projects.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,535 miles of highway and 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. More information about IDOT projects is available here.