PARK FOREST — With pandemic-related stress weighing heavily on many Illinoisans, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is encouraging residents to explore to the Illinois Department of Human Services’ new mental health programs.

“The additional stressors people are facing caused by the pandemic can be difficult to navigate with the uncertainty around us,” Joyce said. “Pandemic or not, we need to focus on people’s mental health, and these new programs will ensure there are resources available for those in need.”

IDHS introduced three new programs Monday to help Illinoisans struggling with mental health, developed in coordination with community mental health centers and nontraditional service providers across the state.

The first new program, the Living Room Program, is designed specifically for those in need of a crisis respite program to divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. It provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where people can calmly process a crisis event while learning how to avoid a future crisis.

The Transitional Living Centers Program is a housing resource for people with mental illnesses who are in need of a place to stay while they work to find permanent housing.

Additionally, the Transitional Community Care and Support Programs offer assistance to current patients of state-operated psychiatric hospitals who are preparing to be discharged. It will include funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.

Individuals seeking help from the Living Room Program may be referred by first responders or medical professionals. Participants of the other two programs will be referred by IDHS and other providers. Anyone who thinks they may benefit from these programs should talk to their mental health provider.

For more information and to find additional mental health resources, click here.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is encouraging small businesses to apply for COVID-19 relief funds through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.

“This program is a great opportunity for businesses to gain some financial certainty while they try to weather this pandemic,” Joyce said. “I strongly encourage small businesses to contact their banks before the Aug. 8 deadline to see if they are eligible to benefit.”

The application period has been extended to allow more businesses to apply for a portion of $10 million in relief funding. Loans will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used to keep employees on the payroll and pay overhead expenses.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans – saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs – according to the Small Business Administration.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if they are used for eligible costs, including payroll, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages. To find participating lenders, business owners and managers can visit the Small Business Administration’s website here.

PARK FOREST – With the income tax filing deadline approaching, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is reminding residents to file their state and federal taxes on or before July 15.

“Because of COVID-19, the filing deadline was extended to July 15,” Joyce said. “While the extension provided taxpayers a few extra months to make payments during this pandemic, the deadline is almost here, and I am urging residents to file their 2019 income taxes as quickly as possible.”

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), the fastest, most secure way to receive a refund is to file a tax return electronically and request a direct deposit into a checking or savings account. Taxpayers may file and pay their IL-1040 for free through MyTax Illinois. Taxpayers who have already filed a return can check their status at www.MyTax.Illinois.gov.
 
For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules and instructions for the 2019 tax year, please visit IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.gov.

PARK FOREST – A new state grant will expand access to high-speed internet for students and families in Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) announced Monday.

“People living in rural areas deserve reliable internet access,” Joyce said. “Especially during this pandemic, when working and learning from home has become the norm, it’s important that we expand broadband internet service so no community is left behind.”

The Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 is one of 12 organizations to receive a grant from the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Illinois Connected Communities program, created to help build broadband capacity in underserved areas.

In addition to an award of up to $15,000, the 12-month program provides free expert consultation to enable each Illinois Connected Community to complete a plan for expanding broadband that identifies actions to improve internet access in the areas of community and economic development, education, civic engagement, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

The program directs $150,000 in state-funded small grants for community and local government partners to help improve access to high-speed broadband in their communities. The state grants will be matched by $150,000 in philanthropic funds.

These grants will help lay the groundwork for individual communities to play a part in Connect Illinois, a $420 million program to bring basic internet access to all communities by 2024. Connect Illinois contemplates a second round of grants later this year.

KANKAKEE – Kankakee Community College has been selected to receive a grant for more than $67,000 from the Illinois Secretary of State to develop their adult literacy program, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) announced Friday.

“The importance of literacy cannot be overstated,” Joyce said. “During these challenging times, helping someone read and write effectively or acquire basic math skills will give them the tools to take steps toward a better career and a better life.”

According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students.

Adult literacy projects focus on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

Joyce urges skilled tutors interested in volunteering to contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

PARK FOREST – To reduce heavy customer volume at driver services facilities and ensure current documents remain valid, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is drawing attention to the new renewal extension date for driver’s licenses, identification cards and license plate stickers.

“The Secretary of State has extended renewal expiration dates until Nov. 1,” Joyce said. “This decision will give motorists some peace of mind while also reducing the amount of in-person interaction necessary when renewing licenses and registrations.”

Many transactions, including renewing license plate stickers, can be done online, preventing people from waiting in line.

“During this current heat wave, I would suggest residents consider delaying their visit to a facility. But if you must visit a facility, please come prepared to wait outside due to social distancing, which limits the number of people inside a facility at one time,” Secretary of State Jesse White said.

Through July 31, driver services facilities are serving only new drivers, customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID cards, and vehicle transactions. Customers who must visit a facility to renew their driver’s license or ID card are encouraged to fill out the preregistration application here before their visit, which will speed up their transaction while at the facility.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is promoting free credit reporting websites for people to assess their financial situations.

“The COVID-19 crisis has forced many of us to shift our priorities,” Joyce said. “While people are focusing on taking care of their families and making ends meet, it’s important to keep track of their financial situation, too.”

Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to provide a free credit report every 12 months if requested. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these companies are offering free online weekly credit reports through April 2021.

The information in these reports may affect mortgage rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests and job applications. Reviewing credit reports can also help catch signs of identity theft early.

“By knowing their credit score, people get an opportunity to better their financial situation,” Joyce said. “I encourage residents to check their credit reports often since it can be done free of charge every week.”

To find out more about why credit is important or to request a credit report, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

PARK FOREST – The Braceville Fire Protection District will receive more than $20,000 in state grants for new equipment, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) announced Wednesday.  

“Because of the pandemic, many local fire departments were unable to hold fundraisers to make money for equipment,” Joyce said. “These grants will help departments purchase lifesaving equipment, so they can quickly respond to emergencies in our community.” 

Braceville Fire Protection District has been awarded $21,690.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded the grant to give Illinois first responders the opportunity to replace or upgrade aging equipment they may otherwise not be able to purchase.  

The program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in the state, particularly those that struggle to generate the necessary revenue for small equipment, such as air-packs and portable radios.

In total, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded $3.5 million in grants to 154 fire departments, fire districts and EMS providers. A complete list of grant recipients can be found here.