I was fortunate to be sworn in to serve as state senator earlier this month at the Illinois State Capitol. In the 104th General Assembly, we will be dealing with the serious issues Illinoisans face every day. I will make supporting our agricultural industry, improving health care and education, and lowering property taxes my priorities this year.
A brutal cold snap with several inches of snow hit Springfield as we were finishing the work of the previous Legislature and starting the new one this month. It reminded me there are many in our communities who face challenges keeping their homes warm and staying safe when the cold weather hits, and the state of Illinois has some important resources available to help meet the challenges.
Ready Illinois is the state’s online home for preparedness. State officials explain there the difference between winter weather advisories, watches and warnings, and offer sensible tips for how you can be ready for the next winter storm. Take time to review the site, prepare your emergency kit, and keep supplies on hand in case the power goes out for an extended period: ready.illinois.gov.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Illinois Housing Help website brings together critical information for families who are struggling to find safe, affordable housing and help with their utility bills: illinoishousinghelp.org.
If you or someone you know needs help applying for rental assistance, needs legal aid while facing eviction or foreclosure, or wants to learn more about the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for utility bill assistance, the website makes it easy to get answers. You can also call the LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374.
The Illinois Department of Transportation works to keep travelers safe and informed about how changing weather conditions will affect their commute. Getting Around Illinois can help you track current winter road conditions and whether the interstates and roads ahead of your commute are covered by snow and ice or covered: gettingaroundillinois.com/default.htm.
You can find these and other helpful winter-weather resources at Keep Warm Illinois: keepwarm.illinois.gov. Stay safe out there over the next few weeks, and we’ll all soon be able to enjoy spring’s warmth.
I want to thank everyone who took time to donate blood in January for National Blood Donor Month, and our dedicated law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for us as we honor them in January on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Our latest legislative session has begun in Springfield, and we soon will be busy debating and passing legislation that affects our district and state. I encourage you to follow along with the legislation I am sponsoring at: ilga.gov/senate/SenatorBills.asp?MemberID=3164.
I urge you to contact me anytime I can help: 708-756-0882, or at senatorpatrickjoyce.com. I will continue to share the latest news on my website and on my Facebook page.