Joyce urges residents to drive sober this Labor Day weekend

• IDOT
• Joliet
• Labor Day
• Drive Sober

KANKAKEE – This Labor Day weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is echoing law enforcement to spread the word of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“There is no excuse to drive under the influence,” Joyce said. “This Labor Day holiday, and every day, I would encourage you to think twice before getting behind the wheel. Please make it a point to drive sober, use a rideshare service or call a designated driver.” 

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Aug. 20 through the early morning hours of Sept. 8. During this period, motorists in Kankakee, Chicago Heights and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.

“Impaired driving is illegal, and it puts lives at risk,” Joyce said. “Our community is counting on you to keep our roads safe this holiday weekend by wearing a seatbelt, watching your speed and never driving under the influence.”

The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Joyce: IDOT seeks snowplow drivers for winter season

• IDOT
• Jobs

PARK FOREST – The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging qualified individuals to apply.

“During the winter season, snowplow drivers are critical to keeping drivers safe over more than 45,000 miles of road statewide,” Joyce said. “If you’ve been job hunting and coming up short, this is a great opportunity to consider as we head into the winter months.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

“With so many Illinoisans out of work, I hope this opportunity allows people to find a stable job during these tough times,” Joyce said.

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, click here.

Joyce invites local farmers to apply for cover crop discount program

• Agriculture
• Cover Crop Program

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging area farmers to apply to the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s “Fall Covers for Spring Savings” cover crop program to receive a discounted crop insurance rate in spring 2021.

“This is a very exciting program that can benefit soil health and protect water quality on and around our farms,” Joyce said. “I strongly encourage local farmers to take this program into consideration when making their fall planting decisions.”

The program allows eligible applicants to receive a $5 per acre premium discount on the following year’s crop insurance invoice for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program.

The goal of the program is to encourage farmers to plant additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives.

“Cover crops are a great way to keep soil anchored, salvage nitrogen, capture carbon and create weed suppression,” said Jerry Costello II, Acting Director of Agriculture. “In the long run, cover crops will help Illinois farmers reduce the need for fertilizer and reach the goals of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.”

Any farmer with coverage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency crop insurance program is eligible to apply.

Applications will be available in December on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. For questions or additional information, contact the department at (217) 782-6297.

Joyce highlights importance of getting tested during ongoing pandemic

• COVID-19
• Testing

PARK FOREST – In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take advantage of free testing.

“Getting a test is safe, quick and easy, and it helps keep you and your neighbors safe,” Joyce said. “If you have COVID-19-like symptoms, I encourage you to get tested as soon as possible.”

If a person believes they have been exposed to the virus, they should get tested 5-7 days after exposure – even if they don’t feel ill. Studies have shown people who are asymptomatic for the virus are still able to spread it to others, who may become visibly sick and require medical attention.

Individuals with symptoms that may be COVID-19 should also get tested, even if they don’t believe they need medical care.

Illinois has tested more than 3.8 million COVID-19 specimens since March and continues to expand testing throughout the state.

There are nearly 300 testing sites across the state, including 11 state-operated community-based testing sites and 12 mobile testing teams that conduct tests at facilities experiencing outbreaks – including nursing homes and correctional centers – and areas around the state reporting increased cases. All state-operated testing facilities are free.

More information about locations, testing hours and requirements can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.