PARK FOREST – Families and businesses impacted by the severe storms and flash flooding in central Illinois that occurred earlier this month could be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Wednesday.

Families in the surrounding counties of Champaign, Iroquois, Ford, Livingston, McLean and Vermilion are also eligible to apply for the SBA’s low-interest, long-term loans to boost flood recovery efforts.

“Following a disaster, it’s important for the community to come together and help each other heal,” Joyce said. “Assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration can give families the boost they need to bounce back.”

PARK FOREST – A comprehensive proposal by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) aimed at eliminating Illinois’ teacher shortage was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“The teacher shortage in Illinois is a crisis, and this new law offers strategies to reverse the trend,” Joyce said. “As school districts return to in-person learning this fall, this new law will grant retired teachers the ability to substitute teach for more hours without impairing their retirement status.”

PARK FOREST – Registration fees for small trailers will be $36, a significant decrease from the current $118, thanks to a new law backed by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

“After speaking with many constituents who were having trouble renewing licenses for their small trailers, I became a lead co-sponsor of this new law to create a more reasonable registration system,” Joyce said. 

The new law classifies all trailers weighing 2,000 pounds or less as “utility trailers” and sets the utility trailer registration fee at $36. Fees were increased on these trailers in 2019 as a part of the Rebuild Illinois capital infrastructure plan.

PARK FOREST – After hearing from residents who felt helpless when Rich East High School closed their doors in 2020, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) sponsored a new law to prevent neighborhood schools from closing without public input.

“The closure of Rich East High School left many households angry because the decision left residents’ voices unheard, even though it affected their kids and the communities they live in,” Joyce said. “With this new law, residents will have the chance to offer feedback on decisions that would impact the lives of students, families and educators.”

BOURBONNAIS – In an effort to be more accessible to community members, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will be holding a Coffee, Conversation & Constituent Services event next week.

“I encourage folks to join me to talk about the issues facing the state over a cup of coffee,” Joyce said. “I look forward to meeting everyone that attends.”

Community members are welcome to stop by Starbucks in Bourbonnais to work with the senator’s staff and receive assistance with different services. Attendees can receive help with FOID cards applications, unemployment and much more.

With questions or for additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

WHO: State Senator Patrick Joyce
WHAT: Coffee, Conversation & Constituent Services
WHEN: Saturday, July 31 from 9 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Starbucks, 532 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais

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PARK FOREST – Residents can safely dispose of sensitive personal documents and unused prescription drugs at a free community event hosted by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and other area officials.

“Consumer fraud and identity theft are becoming far too common in our communities,” Joyce said. “Personal data should be confidential – I urge everyone to attend this free event so they can safely dispose of sensitive documents.”  

In addition to offering free document shredding, Joyce, DeLuca, and Vanderbilt have teamed up with the Park Forest Police Department to provide safe disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs at the event.

Anyone with questions or who needs additional information can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

WHO:  State Senator Patrick Joyce, State Representative Anthony DeLuca, Park Forest Mayor Jonathan Vanderbilt and Park Forest Police Department

WHAT: Shred and drug take-back event 

WHEN: Thursday, July 22 from 9 to 11 a.m.        

WHERE: Village of Park Forest parking lot

              350 Victory Drive, Park Forest 

KANKAKEE – As part of a district-wide tour of local businesses, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) visited the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) on Monday to tour the theater.

“The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association has a great impact on our community, and they are finally able to welcome people back,” Joyce said. “Without their performances, our community would have few opportunities to see these productions in our area. They have a fantastic list of shows coming up, and it’s a great excuse to get out and show our support.” 

During the tour, Joyce met with KTVA President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, Secretary Kayla James and former Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger. Stephens said they are excited to be able to return to the stage and entertain the community again after the theater sat empty for so many months, and they ask the community to consider supporting their work by attending one of their upcoming productions.

The following is a list of current and upcoming productions at the theater:

Youth Summer Theatre Camp - July 2021

10-Minute Play Festival - August 2021

The Music Man - October 2021

The Beast of Gevaudan - October 2021

Beauty and the Beast JR. - November 2021

Peter and the Starcatcher - February 2022

Mary Poppins JR. - April 2022

Guys and Dolls - May 2022

"KVTA would like to thank Senator Joyce for taking the time to pause and appreciate the arts in our community,” said KTVA President Courtney Stephens. “His support and dedication to helping KVTA thrive goes above and beyond our expectations."

The theater is actively seeking out new volunteers, especially after being sidelined for over a year and a half due to the pandemic. Additional details can be found at www.kvta.org.

Joyce hopes to visit more local restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons, in the coming weeks as part of his small business tour series. Interested businesses can schedule a tour by visiting SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Photo: State Senator Patrick Joyce joins the leadership of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association for a small business tour on Monday, July 12. From left to right: Secretary Kayla James, President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, State Senator Patrick Joyce and former KTVA Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger.

SOUTH WILMINGTON – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

“The mobile unit makes it easier for folks to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone in need of a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees to attend this upcoming event.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

Joyce reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023.

In addition, Joyce invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

WHO:                   State Senator Patrick Joyce and Secretary of State Jesse White’s office

WHAT:                 Secretary of state mobile unit event  

WHEN:                 Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.        

WHERE:               South Wilmington Village Hall

                             380 Lake St., South Wilmington