KANKAKEE – As people begin their holiday shopping, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges them to patronize Kankakee and Will County local businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28.

“Small Business Saturday is an important part of the holiday season for small merchants, especially as they work to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Joyce said. “These folks need our support now more than ever, and you can help make an impact by shopping and buying local this holiday season.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

Joyce is also reminding struggling small businesses that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply here.

PARK FOREST – While Thanksgiving celebrations may be smaller this year, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) joins the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office in sharing tips to ensure families stay safe in the kitchen.

“With many families changing their plans and staying home this Thanksgiving, they could be preparing this traditional meal for the first time,” Joyce said. “It’s important for families to take precautions to avoid fire hazards while cooking to prevent an accident.”

KANKAKEE – To help expand and improve public transportation, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced more than $262,000 in state grants for Kankakee and Grundy Counties Friday.

“Public transportation is always worth improving, because it’s something that serves everyone in our community,” said Joyce. “It’s important that we address the deficiencies in our system so that we can keep up with the needs of our residents.” 

Grant funds in Grundy County will be used to replace three medium-duty buses that are beyond their useful life. In Kankakee County, grant funds will be used to replace mobile radios in the county’s fleet to ensure the safest and most efficient provision of services in the area. In addition, the funds will be put towards a new transit vehicle.

This is the first of three grant cycles for mass transit projects through the Rebuild Illinois plan, with the next two rounds set to be distributed in 2021 and 2023.

“Transit in our downstate communities can be a lifeline for getting to work or school, a doctor’s appointment or a trip to the grocery store,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said. “This funding through Rebuild Illinois means these providers finally will have the resources they need to improve service in communities that have not seen this type of investment for many years.”

A complete list of local providers and awards can be viewed at https://idot.click/rbi-capital-plan-transit-grants.

PARK FOREST – The Illinois State Board of Education has launched a new text program to help parents prepare young learners for school, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging parents to enroll.

“There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused parents pandemic stress, as they are balancing working from home and homeschooling their children,” Joyce said. “To help working parents cope, this program will encourage learning and ensure well-being for children during this crisis and beyond.” 

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site now through Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Kankakee County Health Department, located at 2390 W. Station Street in Kankakee.

“A critical part of overcoming this virus is getting tested,” Joyce said. “This site will allow us to ramp up our testing capacity in Kankakee County and help reduce the spread in our community. I urge folks to get tested.”

PARK FOREST – With the holidays inching closer and businesses still struggling to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to shop locally throughout the holiday season this year.

“Local businesses are the heart of our community, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put a major strain on them,” Joyce said. “As we continue the fight against COVID-19, we cannot leave these businesses behind. I encourage residents to support our small business community however they can to help them weather this storm.”

PARK FOREST – Businesses and organizations in Kankakee, Cook and Will Counties are among the 1,200 recipients of more than $46 million in Business Interruption Grants (BIG) prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Friday.

“COVID-19 has been especially hard on our small business community these past few months,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to learn businesses in our community have taken advantage of this program, and with funds still available, I encourage all eligible businesses to apply for grants.”

PARK FOREST – This Halloween, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding drivers to keep themselves, other motorists and trick-or-treaters safe by never driving under the influence.

“Halloween may look a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Joyce said. “I want to encourage folks to celebrate safely by following health guidelines and making plans for a sober ride home if you plan to drink.”