Joyce, Bennett thank local farmers on National Farmers Day

• Agriculture
• National Farmers Day

SPRINGFIELD – In honor of National Farmers Day on October 12, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Senate Agriculture Chairman Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) are celebrating the hard work and dedication of local farmers and agricultural workers.

“While we appreciate and support farmers each and every day, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for the agriculture sector,” said Joyce, a fourth-generation farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Today, we thank our farmers for their contributions to a healthier society and economy.”

On this day, Bennett and Joyce are encouraging people to show gratitude to farmers by supporting local farmers’ markets or making charitable donations to area farms.

“Farmers are passionate about the work they do, and this day is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the men and women devoted to feeding our community,” said Bennett, who spends the harvest season helping out on his family's farm in Gibson City. “This is the perfect time to thank farmers young and old, past and present."

The lawmakers are also recognizing the dedicated animals that work alongside farmers every day and help them with daily tasks, such as plowing the field, transporting food and cultivating the soil, especially during the busy harvest season.

As harvest season progresses across the state and farmers face additional stressors, Bennett encourages farmers to sign up for a webinar to learn ways to manage stress. The webinar will be led by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development on Oct. 14 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. To register, visit tinyurl.com/harveststress.

Joyce unveils $162,000 in water infrastructure funding for South Wilmington

• Safe Water
• Drinking Water
• South Wilmington
• Capital

SOUTH WILMINGTON – The Village of South Wilmington will receive $162,000 in funding to improve the community’s drinking water quality as part of this year’s state budget for capital infrastructure improvements, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Thursday.

“Maintaining a clean, reliable supply of drinking water is crucial for our rural communities,” said Joyce. “This funding comes at a critical time as we continue to mitigate the public health and financial impacts of COVID-19. This investment puts our community on track toward a modernized water infrastructure.”

To make sure every resident has reliable access to safe, high quality water, the Village plans to use the funding to replace water valves, meters and ion exchange equipment. 

“The Village of South Wilmington is receiving $162,000 towards the rebuild of its water treatment plant to ensure safe drinking water for its residents for many years to come,” said South Wilmington Mayor Richard Alderson. “The Village is very appreciative of this funding as the unexpected cost was a severe hardship on the residents of South Wilmington.”

Joyce: BIG webinar series available to help women entrepreneurs apply for aid

• BIG Grant
• DCEO
• Webinars
• National Women's Small Business Month

PARK FOREST – In recognition of National Women’s Small Business Month and to help navigate the application process for Business Interruption Grants (BIG) offered by the state, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is inviting female small business owners to sign up for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s “All in for Women: BIG Webinars.”

“During the pandemic, BIG grants have equipped business with the resources they need to survive this crisis and come out stronger on the other side,” Joyce said. “Small businesses that are facing COVID-19 disruptions and are in need of financial assistance should sign up for an upcoming seminar.” 
 
During the month of October, the department will offer webinars focusing on women-owned businesses, helping owners navigate eligibility requirements and the application process for the BIG program.
 
The BIG program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The program uses federal funds provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19-related losses for Illinois small businesses.
 
In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.
 
The webinar will be presented in four sessions, and technical assistance support will be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session. The date and time of each webinar is listed below, along with links to register.

• Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Register HERE
• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. Register HERE
• Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. Register HERE

More information about the second round of BIG grants can be found here.

Joyce raises awareness about cooking fires during National Fire Prevention Week

• Illinois State Fire Marshal
• Fire Safety

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is drawing attention to the leading cause of home fires and is urging people to become familiar with the safety guidelines suggested by the Illinois State Fire Marshal during National Fire Prevention Week.

“Cooking continues to be a main contributor to home fires,” Joyce said. “During this year’s National Fire Prevention Week, take a moment to consider where potential cooking hazards exist, along with basic but critical ways to prevent them.”

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S. Almost half of reported home fires start in the kitchen, and in 2019, Illinois fire departments responded to nearly 6,500 fires that were either caused by cooking or originated in the kitchen, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.

Keep these fire safety tips in mind when cooking:

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen, and if you must leave the room, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain at home and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or have consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when cooking. Should a small grease fire start, don’t pour water on it—slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

To learn more about National Fire Prevention Week, visit the NFPA website.