OpEd: Senator Patrick Joyce (September 2026) (Essex, IL) — As summer comes to a close, many families, businesses and communities across the 40th District are still recovering from an extraordinary year of severe weather. My focus remains on making sure people know what assistance is available and continuing to push for every state and federal resource our region can secure.
The storms that hit Will and Cook counties this summer caused widespread damage, power outages and difficult cleanup work for communities that, in some cases, had already been hit hard earlier this year. Families and businesses affected by those storms may now qualify for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration, including low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center has also opened at Monee Public Works to help residents affected by the July 27 storms understand their options and complete applications. In addition, Illinois has made disaster-related tax relief available to qualifying individuals and businesses in Will and Cook counties. More information on those resources is available through my office and at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.
Our recovery work also continues from the storms that struck Kankakee County and surrounding areas in March. Farmers in Kankakee, Will, Grundy and other neighboring counties may now apply for low-interest emergency physical loss loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Those March storms brought five confirmed tornadoes, record-setting hail and damage to at least 300 properties, including more than 30 that were destroyed. For farmers, the damage can extend far beyond a home or building. It can mean lost livestock, damaged equipment, destroyed farm structures and losses that affect an entire growing season. These USDA loans can help eligible producers repair or replace property essential to their agricultural operations.
As a farmer myself, I know recovery does not happen overnight. I will continue working with local, state and federal partners to make sure our agricultural communities receive the support they need.
At the same time, we must keep looking ahead and investing in opportunities that make the 40th District stronger.
One major step forward is Illinois’ approval for $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funding to expand high-speed internet access. The investment is expected to connect approximately 350,000 residents, homes, businesses and community institutions statewide by 2031.
I have long supported efforts to improve broadband in rural Illinois because reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury. It is essential for farmers, small businesses, students, telehealth patients and families. Rural residents deserve the same access and opportunities as everyone else, and this investment can help close that gap. More information is available here.
I am also encouraging community organizations across the district to pursue the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded more than $70 million to community-based organizations serving more than 7,000 residents. Participants receive tuition-free training, stipends, support services and industry credentials that can help lead to registered apprenticeships and long-term careers in the building trades.
Education remains another important investment. Kankakee Community College, Prairie State College and Joliet Junior College are receiving a combined $202,443 to strengthen literacy programs, workplace skills development and related services. Investments like these help people gain the skills they need to participate more fully in the workforce and their communities.
Whether we are helping families rebuild after a storm or expanding broadband, job training and educational opportunities, the goal is the same: making sure the 40th District is stronger and better prepared for the future.
As always, my office is here to help. Please call 708-756-0882, visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com, or follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/senPatrickjoyce40.
Sen. Patrick Joyce
D-Essex, 40th State Senate District
OpEd: Senator Patrick Joyce (September 2026)
