Joyce stresses grain bin safety

Grain Bin Safety Week is February 20-26

KANKAKEE – To prevent fatalities on the farm during the busy harvest season, Senate Agriculture Committee chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining officials in reminding farmers and farm workers to be cautious when working in and around grain bins.

“There is a responsibility that comes with living in a rural area, we have to continue to take care of friends and neighbors” Joyce said. “With delayed emergency response times, it is crucial to review all safety precautions.”

While essential to Illinois’ harvests, grain handling equipment and storage containers can quickly become dangerous. In 2020, Illinois Fire Departments responded to a nation leading 12 rescue incidents at Illinois grain bins and elevators.

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Legislation to expedite professional licenses passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to expedite the issuance of professional licenses, championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday.

“This measure cuts red tape for new professionals entering the workforce,” Joyce said. “Advocating for hard-working Illinoisans is my top priority and this legislation does just that.”

The legislation was introduced after hearing word from local residents that the professional licensing process was taking too long. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted. The measure would expedite licenses for health care workers, accountants, speech pathologists and other professionals.

Read more: Legislation to expedite professional licenses passes Senate

Feigenholtz reconnects former foster kids with their foster families

SPRINGFIELD - Former Department of Children and Family Services youth in care who reach the age of 18 could soon have access to search and reunion services with former foster parents or foster siblings under a measure championed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“Studies have demonstrated that keeping connection with their prior foster siblings who they grew up with is an important element of their sense of permanency,” said Feigenholtz. “Youth in care that bond with their foster siblings experience a deep sense of loss when they are adopted into another family. This legislation attempts to remedy that.”

Under Feigenholtz’s measure, a process would be established by which former foster children may get in contact with their former foster parents and former foster siblings by utilizing existing search and reunion services provided at DCFS. DCFS would be required to provide youth in care, within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday, with an explanation of available search and reunion services. 

Read more: Feigenholtz reconnects former foster kids with their foster families

Loughran Cappel co-sponsored legislation to expedite professional licenses advances to House

SPRINGFIELD – A measure co-sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) to require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue state licenses in four weeks passed the Senate.

“We have a variety of professionals waiting months for their licenses to be issued by the state, which is delaying them from getting to work” Loughran Cappel said. “By expediting the licensing process, we are making life and finances just a little easier for our vocational workers.”

The legislation was introduced after hearing word from local residents that the professional licensing process was taking too long. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted. The measure would expedite licenses for health care workers, accountants, speech pathologists and other professionals.

Read more: Loughran Cappel co-sponsored legislation to expedite professional licenses advances to House