SPRINGFIELD – Increasing access to health care, improving the agriculture industry, and making investments in education are priorities for State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), who was sworn in today for his first full term in the Illinois Senate.

“After a difficult year, there is a great deal of work to be done in Springfield to improve the quality of life for everyone in the 40th District,” Joyce said. “I am prepared to meet those challenges head on, and I’m ready to get to work.”

Joyce, a Democrat from Essex, was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and stood for election in November. He represents the 40th District, which includes portions of southland, as well as a majority of Kankakee County, an eastern portion of Will County, and southeastern Grundy County.

His top goals include making the health care system easier to navigate and more supportive for those suffering from serious illness, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and affordable drinking water, and reducing class sizes throughout the state.

Joyce strives to keep everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information, and encourages people to reach out to his office at 708-756-0882 or via his website with questions and concerns.

This week marks the start of the 102nd General Assembly.

PARK FOREST – January is Radon Action Month, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and urging people to test their homes for this harmful gas.

“Higher levels of radon in the home can lead to life-threatening health issues, such as lung cancer,” Joyce said. “With more people staying at home, it’s important to test your home, whether it’s old or new, for radon to prevent unnecessary deaths.” 

Radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the nation, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois. Areas in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties, are shown to have higher levels of radon in the soil.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more. If not properly mitigated, radon gas can reach drastically high levels and cause major health concerns.  

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois are hosting two statewide contests that urge students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. High school students are invited to submit a 30-second commercial style video, and middle school students can design a poster to urge residents to test their homes for radon. For more information and to enter, click here.

“We are asking our youth to get involved and use their creativity to raise awareness,” Joyce said. “I encourage students to participate in the contests and submit an entry.”

For more information about radon, visit www.radon.illinois.gov. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.

KANKAKEE – As the spring legislative session approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to share their ideas for potential new laws.

“Families and communities have faced tremendous obstacles this past year,” Joyce said. “If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that people want to be heard by their elected officials so we can develop smart solutions to the issues they’re facing.”

Ahead of the beginning of the 102nd General Assembly, Joyce is encouraging residents to send in ideas for new bills that could help improve the state of Illinois. Bill ideas can be submitted via email to Joyce’s office using the contact form at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Last year, Joyce heard from Hayli Martinez, an 11-year-old girl from Kankakee, whose lemonade stand was flagged by Kankakee Health Department officials and shut down soon after. After Joyce heard the story, he introduced Hayli’s Law – Senate Bill 3459 – which eliminates any requirements such as licenses, permits or fees to sell lemonade or other non-alcoholic beverages for individuals under the age of 16.

Joyce is eager to help more constituents in the upcoming spring session and hopes to hear from residents soon.

“This is the time for us to collaborate and find solutions to problems in our community,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone who has an idea for making our community better to submit it to my office for consideration.”

Joyce’s staff is working remotely at this time. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered. For questions or additional information, call his district office at 708-756-0882.

Joyce represents the 40^th District, which contains portions of the south suburbs of Chicago as well as a majority of Kankakee County and southeastern Grundy County.

PARK FOREST – With flu season underway, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is spreading awareness about National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is observed from Dec. 6-12, and encourages residents to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

“This year, getting a flu shot is particularly important, given that both flu and COVID-19 will continue to pose risks to our health this winter,” said Joyce, a member of the Senate Public Health Committee. “Getting a flu shot is the best defense we have against the flu and will help reduce the tremendous burden our health care system is facing.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), flu season occurs from late fall to early spring, with activity usually peaking in January or February. IDPH recommends everyone 6 months of age and older gets a flu vaccine every season.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder that there is still time to get vaccinated to help you stay healthy,” Joyce said. “In addition to a flu shot, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others against the spread of the flu and COVID-19 by staying home, washing your hands and wearing a mask.”

Flu shots are provided at many local health departments, private health care providers and pharmacies across Illinois. It is recommended you contact your health care provider about what form of flu vaccine you should receive. Click here to find the local health department where you live. You can also find locations that offer flu shots using Vaccine Finder.