PARK FOREST – With many households still uncounted in the 2020 Census, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to respond to ensure a complete and accurate count.

“The COVID-19 crisis has made the census count more difficult, but also that much more important,” Joyce said. “An undercount could affect our neighborhoods in terms of funding and representation for the next 10 years.”

Currently, communities in Grundy and Kankakee Counties have responded at critically low rates. Only 55.6% of Kankakee residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 64.6% of residents in 2010. In Pembroke, just 40.1% of residents have been counted – a decade ago, 54.9% of residents responded. East Brooklyn is also below the target level, having only 52% of residents complete their census forms.

Residents can complete the census for their household at www.my2020census.gov. Higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in person. This year, census surveyors are putting their and their families’ health at risk of COVID-19, and limiting visits may mean saving lives.

“Your community is counting on you to fill out the Census,” Joyce said. “If you still need to participate, please take some time to fill out the questionnaire.”

To see local responses rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us.

KANKAKEE – In an effort to support economic development in underserved communities, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Kankakee will receive a grant through the Fast Track Public Infrastructure Capital program.

“It’s critical that we continue to update our infrastructure to meet the needs of our residents,” Joyce said. “Making streets more accessible is a vital step toward improving safety and mobility in our community.”

The Fast Track program was created by the state to provide emergency assistance for businesses and communities facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Currently, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched more than $300 million in emergency relief programs, with most of the funding available for businesses.

The City of Kankakee was awarded $1.8 million for ADA sidewalk improvements. To be considered for funding, applicants were required to prove projects were located in an underserved area, promoted economic development for diverse business and could start within 90 days after being awarded.

“I appreciate the leadership of Governor Pritzker and Senator Joyce for prioritizing capital funds during the pandemic. Not only do these funds support infrastructure projects, but they create jobs,” said Kankakee Mayor Chastity Wells-Armstrong. “Furthermore, this administration will continue to move Kankakee forward by pursuing every opportunity for funding and addressing equity in our community as we target areas in the city which have experienced divestment during the last several decades.”

The Fast Track program is made possible through the Illinois statewide construction plan, known as Rebuild Illinois. For a list of cities that have been awarded Fast Track grants, click here.

PARK FOREST – As small businesses work to recover from the ongoing coronavirus crisis, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) intends to highlight the ways business owners are prioritizing safety for their employees and customers by touring the businesses of the 40th District.

“Small businesses enhance our neighborhoods and stimulate our local economy,” Joyce said. “I look forward to hearing from small business owners, so we can empower and support them as they work to maintain a safe environment and get back on their feet during this awful pandemic.”

Joyce said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions, including wearing a mask and social distancing.

Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application at http://SenatorPatrickJoyce.com/SmallBusinessTours. Joyce plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests businesses to submit requests soon. Once the application is received, a member of Joyce’s team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

PARK FOREST – A total of 26 local businesses have been awarded a combined $480,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program, prompting State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to extend his congratulations to the recipients.

“Small businesses give so much to our community, but right now they are struggling to stay afloat,” Joyce said. “BIG grants can help these establishments move one step closer to financial recovery.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

“I am committed to supporting relief efforts so businesses affected by this crisis can come out on top,” Joyce said. “I encourage any area business searching for financial relief to apply for future rounds of Business Interruption Grants.”

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.