KANKAKEE – January is Radon Action Month and State Senator Patrick Joyce is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and encouraging people to test their homes for the harmful gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more.

“Illinois has shown to have high levels of radon, making it more common for people to be exposed to,” said Joyce (D-Essex).  “Higher levels of radon can lead to major health issues, which is why it is important to test your homes.”

It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois, with higher levels being in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

KANKAKEE – During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Operations Rising Spirit Campaign.

“It is important for our veterans to know they are honored and appreciated every day,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The Operation Rising Spirit campaign makes sure that message is relayed.”

Operation Rising Spirit was first launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encourages veterans and facilitates their connection with the community through positive, uplifting notes sent to veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Chicago, Manteno and Quincy.

“I encourage community members and organizations to take a moment and write letters to veterans who deserve our support and well wishes,” said Joyce. “This is a small act of kindness that will be very appreciated, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx.

KANKAKEE ––  State Senator Patrick Joyce urges area residents to show appreciate to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “That’s why this day is dedicated as a small way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable heroes in our communities.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

KANKAKEE – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Five organizations in portions of Kankakee and Will Counties represented by State Senator Patrick Joyce have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, he announced Thursday.  

“The pandemic showed us firsthand the inequity and inequality in our health care system,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This program will help combat the health equity gaps taking place in all corners of our state.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

KANKAKEE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Understanding the college application process can be intimidating and confusing for students and families,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “Resources should be more accessible to help them navigate this process and make higher education more attainable.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

ESSEX – As National Mammography day quickly approaches during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging women who may have postponed breast cancer screenings due to COVID-19 to take action and reschedule a comprehensive exam soon.

“Breast cancer affects thousands of women in all corners of our state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is vital that women are being cautious of the signs of breast cancer and schedule their yearly exams for possible early detection of cancer.”

The National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen because of the pandemic.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects over 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year.

“This disease is not something to dismiss,” Joyce said. “I encourage all women to make sure they are up-to-date on their breast screenings and to make mammogram appointments as needed.”

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.

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.