Joyce draws attention to Radon Action Month

• Radon Action Month

PARK FOREST – January is Radon Action Month, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and urging people to test their homes for this harmful gas.

“Higher levels of radon in the home can lead to life-threatening health issues, such as lung cancer,” Joyce said. “With more people staying at home, it’s important to test your home, whether it’s old or new, for radon to prevent unnecessary deaths.” 

Radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the nation, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois. Areas in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties, are shown to have higher levels of radon in the soil.

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. If not properly mitigated, radon gas can reach drastically high levels and cause major health concerns.  

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois are hosting two statewide contests that urge students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. High school students are invited to submit a 30-second commercial style video, and middle school students can design a poster to urge residents to test their homes for radon. For more information and to enter, click here.

“We are asking our youth to get involved and use their creativity to raise awareness,” Joyce said. “I encourage students to participate in the contests and submit an entry.”

For more information about radon, visit www.radon.illinois.gov. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.

Joyce: Mobile testing site opens in Kankakee County

• COVID-19
• Kankakee County
• Testing

KANKAKEE – To help keep workplaces safe as employees return to work after the holidays, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) secured an Illinois Department of Public Health mobile COVID-19 testing site in Kankakee County.

“Many people coming back from celebrating the holidays are seeking COVID-19 tests,” Joyce said. “The mobile testing site is a convenient way to get tested, which in turn will help prevent the spread of the virus following the holidays.”   

The mobile testing site will operate now through Wednesday, Jan. 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day at the Kankakee County Health Department, located at 2390 W. Station St. in Kankakee.

Anyone will be able to get tested at the site for free, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is necessary, but daily testing supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to visit early.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

However, people with COVID-19 can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. For this reason, IDPH recommends testing for anyone who has recently been part of a large gathering or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

Joyce invites residents to share legislative ideas

• 102nd General Assembly
• Legislation

KANKAKEE – As the spring legislative session approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to share their ideas for potential new laws.

“Families and communities have faced tremendous obstacles this past year,” Joyce said. “If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that people want to be heard by their elected officials so we can develop smart solutions to the issues they’re facing.”

Ahead of the beginning of the 102nd General Assembly, Joyce is encouraging residents to send in ideas for new bills that could help improve the state of Illinois. Bill ideas can be submitted via email to Joyce’s office using the contact form at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Last year, Joyce heard from Hayli Martinez, an 11-year-old girl from Kankakee, whose lemonade stand was flagged by Kankakee Health Department officials and shut down soon after. After Joyce heard the story, he introduced Hayli’s Law – Senate Bill 3459 – which eliminates any requirements such as licenses, permits or fees to sell lemonade or other non-alcoholic beverages for individuals under the age of 16.

Joyce is eager to help more constituents in the upcoming spring session and hopes to hear from residents soon.

“This is the time for us to collaborate and find solutions to problems in our community,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone who has an idea for making our community better to submit it to my office for consideration.”

Joyce’s staff is working remotely at this time. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered. For questions or additional information, call his district office at 708-756-0882.

Joyce represents the 40^th District, which contains portions of the south suburbs of Chicago as well as a majority of Kankakee County and southeastern Grundy County.

Joyce urges drivers to use caution during winter weather

• IDOT
• ISP
• Transportation

PARK FOREST – With winter weather approaching, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) echoes the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway in reminding drivers to prepare for winter driving conditions.

“As we head into the winter, I am asking drivers to start thinking about safe winter driving,” Joyce said. “The preparations and plans you make today can keep you and other drivers safe in the months ahead.”

Drivers should be mindful of winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules during the winter months. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:

• Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com to check travel conditions 24/7.
• Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois and your best defense if you are involved in a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the devices – it, too, is the law.
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, check the weather forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public transportation options.
• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking are required throughout the winter.
• Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. Even if you see them, they may not see you. Any plow that’s hit must be pulled out of service, resulting in one less resource available to clear the roads.
• Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous.
• Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas. All are prone to icing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency. For emergency assistance in the Chicago area, call *999.
• Give first responders and stranded drivers plenty of space. Obey the Move Over Law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
• For more winter driving tips, check out this short IDOT video.

For more information on preparing for winter weather, visit IDOT.Illinois.gov.