PARK FOREST - Unfortunately, many scamming predators take advantage of troubled to seek new victims, especially seniors. State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges everyone to use their best judgement when responding to personal information and money requests.

“I know these are very difficult times, however, please try to stay calm and only trust information coming from reliable sources, professionals and elected officials,” Joyce said. “In general, the government and health professionals won’t ask for personal information via email or over the phone, unless you initiate the call.”

Attorney General Kwame Raoul said attorneys general from across the nation have seen an increase in reports of people posing as charitable organizations or public health agencies. Those scams, according to Raoul, include cyber scams, telephone and text-messaging scams, counterfeit product offers, bogus door-to-door offers of tests and products related to the coronavirus, and solicitations for donations to phony charities.

Some of the most common scams seen by Raoul include:

•   Emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other health care organizations, offering to share information about the virus.

•   Emails asking for the verification of personal data, including Medicare or Medicaid information, in exchange for receiving economic stimulus funds or other benefits from the government.

•   Email phishing scams, text messages from unknown sources which may include hyperlinks to what appear to be automated pandemic updates, or interactive infection maps.

•   COVID-19 vaccinations and home test kits that are made online, in stores, through electronic messages or over the phone.

For more information or to report scams connected to COVID-19, please visit the attorney general’s website: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/​.

PARK FOREST – Because the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Illinois, Governor Pritzker issued an extension of the Stay at Home Order until the end of April. With many people suffering from stress and anxiety due to COVID-19, financial challenges, and social isolation, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) wants to share resources with the community on how to manage their mental health while staying safe.

“Maintaining good mental health is vital during these trying times,” Joyce said. “Please know that you are not alone and there are resources available to help.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a Will/Grundy County hotline that also serves Kankakee County at (815)-731-9103 and a textline for support. Text NAMI to 741741 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity  is now accepting applications from local governments, non-profit groups, and even private companies for a an $80 million economic development grant program, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced.

DCEO will allow organizations to compete for $50 million in public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million in regional economic development projects and $13 million for shovel-ready construction projects. Only local governments can apply for the public infrastructure grants, but the other programs are also open to local organizations and businesses.

Projects that may include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.

“The projects funded by these grants could attract businesses and jobs to the South Lands,” Joyce said. “These grants are competitive, so I encourage as many local groups to apply as possible.”

Through a competitive selection process, DCEO will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.

Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found here.