ESSEX – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association visited CSL Behring in Bradley last week, where State Senator Patrick Joyce spoke about the contributions of CSL to the community.

“Manufacturing has continued to have a significant impact to our state’s economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The amount of jobs and revenue manufacturing brings to our region and state shows this is a major economic driver in Illinois.”

CSL Behring is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that is a global leader in creating products to cure rare and serious diseases. The company employs over 1,800 individuals in the area.

A recent study found the total economic impact of manufacturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year – the largest share of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Manufacturing directly employs 662,298 workers but ultimately supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs, generating up to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents annually.

“This tour is a great opportunity to show the public the different career paths that the manufacturing industry presents in Illinois,” said Joyce. “This industry is important to our state and I’m dedicated to supporting job training programs that allow people to choose these careers in manufacturing.”

To learn more about the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association or to see a list of stops on the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, visit https://ima-net.org/2022-manufacturing-month-chicago-bus-tour/ .

ESSEX – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Patrick Joyce signed on as a chief co-sponsor to a new state initiative to ensure line-of-duty benefits are adequately funded.

“First responders put their lives on the line any time they clock in for a shift,” said Joyce. (D-Essex). “When someone tragically loses their life on the line of duty, that loss is extremely painful to not only the community, but to their family. Families are already mourning the loss of a loved one – they don’t need the added financial stressors.”

In each year’s budget, the General Assembly appropriates funding for line-of-duty death benefits. In the event that insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 guarantees families receive their owed benefits.

“First responders and their families deserve to know they have the support and benefits they need, regardless of what happens,” said Joyce. “When families lose a loved one behind the line, we owe them a debt that can never be repaid.”

Senate Bill 4229 can be brought up as early as the upcoming fall veto session.

ESSEX – In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging families to put together a secure fire safety plan.

“It’s possible that a fire can ignite at any moment in your home,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is essential that all families have a strategy to keep themselves and their children safe in case of an emergency.”

The National Fire Protection Association reported that more than 38% of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

Illinois law requires households to have smoke alarms within 15 feet of every bedroom and at least one on each floor of the home. In October 2019, DCFS launched a statewide program to provide free smoke alarms to families served by the department.

“Your family’s safety is a priority. It is important all homes have working smoke alarms,” Joyce said. “Frequently check your smoke alarms to make sure they are functioning. It could save lives.”

Families served by DCFS may request smoke alarms from their caseworker or call their local field office directly to request one. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit www.fpw.org.

ESSEX – Millions of Illinoisans are waiting to receive their tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan. State Senator Patrick Joyce is reminding residents they can easily check their rebate status online.

“This rebate is providing many people with financial relief,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I encourage everyone to check the status of their rebate.”

The Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. The rebates began to roll out Sept. 12, leaving many to wonder when they will receive relief.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. To check the status of a rebate, click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” An IL-PIN number is necessary to check the status. To find an IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per independent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

“The rebates being distributed should help families and individuals pay for every day expenses,” said Joyce. “Don’t worry if your rebate hasn’t arrived yet. Checking the status online will help you anticipate when it will arrive.” 

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.