Local legislators reach across the aisle to achieve completion of renovation project

KANKAKEE– State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex)  and State Representative Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee) reacted to an announcement from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources today that the Kankakee State Park Potawatomi campground is scheduled to reopen October 1. The two legislators worked together closely to cut through red tape of multiple state agencies to get the project completed so the campground, shuttered since 2015 amid a lack of capital funding to complete needed renovations, can finally reopen to the public.

Senator Joyce stated “During my time representing this district, I have worked tirelessly to ensure this remarkable resource is available to residents across this region. I am proud of the bipartisan work Representative Parkhurst and I accomplished to bring this campground to the people we represent. The park is a community staple that I am happy folks will have access to utilize and enjoy. As we kick off the fall season and more families are choosing to travel locally during the pandemic, the timing for the opening of the Kankakee State Park Potawatomi Campground could not be more perfect. We will all continue work together to get Chippewa campgrounds open next.”

Representative Parkhurst stated “The Kankakee River State Park is a treasure we need to maintain and protect. I worked and fought for progress on getting both the Potawatomi and Chippewa campgrounds open since taking office in 2017 despite road blocks and administrative red tape at every turn. When Senator Joyce was appointed, I asked for his cooperation and support in this battle and he gladly accepted. We both have deep roots in this community and are happily and successfully working together, despite all the partisan politics in our state, to improve the 79th District. We care about our community and it took both of us, on both sides of the aisle, to accomplish the opening of the campground. Great things can happen when you put community, not politics, first. We will continue to work together to reopen the Chippewa campground.”

For questions or more information, please contact Senator Joyce’s office at (708) 756-0882.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

The free event will be available to motorists Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chicago Heights Park District, located at 1400 Chicago Road.

“Currently, Chicago Heights motorists do not have a convenient location for accessing DMV services,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to partner with the secretary of state’s office and Rep. DeLuca to give drivers a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees while the DMV is unavailable.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

"I urge my constituents to take advantage of this Mobile Department of Motor Vehicle opportunity," DeLuca said.

Joyce reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended an additional year to Oct. 1, 2021.

In addition, Joyce invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

For motorists unable to attend, Joyce intends to host another mobile unit event in December.

With questions or for additional information, contact Senator Joyce’s office at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com or call 708-756-0882.

KANKAKEE – With businesses in Will and Kankakee Counties still struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) said businesses can’t wait another three days to return to Phase 4 and called on Gov. JB Pritzker to immediately lift the mitigation restrictions imposed on Region 7.

“Three weeks ago, the governor imposed strict mitigation restrictions on Will and Kankakee Counties, which triggered immediate mitigation,” Joyce said. “Not only were the restrictions significantly tighter than those in other regions, but businesses were given only 24 hours’ notice to comply. This decision came as a crippling blow to our small business community.” 

Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee counties, saw its positivity rate drop to 6.4% on Wednesday, below the state-set threshold of 6.5%. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health says the region must stay under 6.5% for three consecutive days to rejoin most of the rest of the state in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois reopening plan.

“We have to get businesses back on their feet sooner, rather than later,” Joyce said. “Businesses are prepared to safely reopen and operate their establishments—they should be rewarded for doing their part to contain the virus in our community.”

Joyce is also urging small businesses affected by COVID-19 resurgence mitigations to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions. 

Businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the support they need to cope with current mitigation efforts. 

PARK FOREST - To help small businesses affected by COVID-19 resurgence mitigations, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging business owners to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grant (BIG) funding.

“With this new round of grants, small businesses will find economic support as they continue to navigate the pandemic,” Joyce said. “Because small businesses are bearing the brunt of this crisis, it’s really important that they take advantage of this funding.”

The BIG program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.
 
BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.
 
To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks. Another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Many Joliet-area businesses may qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible zip codes, click here.

Additionally, businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the support they need to cope with current mitigation efforts. 

“These grants are critical in keeping small businesses afloat,” Joyce said. “I am inviting any business that has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 to apply for assistance starting Thursday.”
 
During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. Businesses in Will and Kankakee Counties were awarded a combined $420,000 during the first round.
 
Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.