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.

PARK FOREST – As local organizations across the state band together once again to promote charitable giving, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging those who are able to give back to their communities this Giving Tuesday.

“Many charitable organizations are having a hard time serving those in need amid the pandemic,” Joyce said. “Fortunately, the pandemic is motivating a lot of generosity, and with Giving Tuesday underway, I hope people will find creative ways to give back this holiday season to help those struggling.”

Giving Tuesday, created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good, has since grown into a global movement for charitable giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Joyce encourages folks willing and able to consider reaching out to a local charitable organization to ask how they can help. These organizations may include animal shelters, blood banks, or other groups serving children and youth, artists, small businesses, restaurant workers, homeless individuals, and more.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit https://hq.givingtuesday.org.

KANKAKEE – As people begin their holiday shopping, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges them to patronize Kankakee and Will County local businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28.

“Small Business Saturday is an important part of the holiday season for small merchants, especially as they work to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Joyce said. “These folks need our support now more than ever, and you can help make an impact by shopping and buying local this holiday season.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.