PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to host a free virtual utility bill clinic to help consumers save money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to partner with CUB to help people find alternative ways to reduce their utility bills,” Joyce said. “As families and individuals continue to face tough financial stressors, this clinic is a great resource to make sure their utility usage and costs are in check.” 

Starting Aug. 25 at 9 a.m., residents will be able to register for a virtual one-on-one consultation with a CUB professional to discuss lowering their electric, water, gas, phone, cable and internet bills. After registrants have selected a time slot, they will receive details for a private video call with a CUB representative.

During the clinic, the representative will evaluate participants’ bills to determine if they are signed up with an alternative supplier or paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let participants know if they are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

For more information on the program, visit www.citizensutilityboard.org or contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.

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.