SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced three measures that would give landowners and farmers more flexibility when it comes to hunting deer on their own property.

“Illinois farmers, who are experiencing substantial crop damage and lower yields, need a better way to manage deer populations on their farms,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Let’s give these farmers the tools they need to handle nuisance deer during the growing season.”

Senate Bill 710 would address multiple issues with the nuisance deer program and deer hunting tags. Currently for nuisance deer, a property owner has to prove each year that there has been damage to property, like destruction of crops, by the deer. Farmers have been requesting a better way to handle this because under the current program, they cannot manage the deer population until after a problem has occurred. The bill would allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to issue deer removal permits based on the percentage of permits redeemed in the previous season by the recipient. The bill would also allow for an expansion of youth hunting tags from one to two.

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomed park districts from across the state to the Capitol to celebrate Parks Day.

“I am grateful for what my local park districts do day in and day out,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Park districts take care of our beautiful parks with walking trails and playgrounds, fitness centers, sports fields and even golf courses. These are places that make a community feel alive and vibrant – a place you want to live in.”

This year's Parks Day theme was “It starts in parks.” Nearly 70 agencies set up colorful displays in the Capitol rotunda and distributed informative literature that showcased the programs, facilities, and services that start people on paths to health, wellness, social connections, affordable childcare, etc.

"It was great seeing Worth and Oak Lawn Park Districts during Parks Day at the Capitol, where we talked about the vital role local parks play in our communities,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “In Illinois, we’ve made real investments in green spaces that support recreation and community connection across our state."

Parks represent places of joy, recreation, and sanctuary for all Illinois residents. This day offers a unique opportunity for state legislators and the public to engage directly with park district representatives and learn about the innovative programs and services they offer.

To find a list of Illinois parks and recreation areas visit the IDNR website.

MONEE — Senate President Don Harmon and State Senator Patrick Joyce celebrated Tuesday’s groundbreaking on Voortman Steel Machinery’s new facility in Monee. Voortman’s $51.4 million investment will allow the company to purchase and develop new property in Will County, grow Illinois’ manufacturing sector and create new, good-paying jobs for the area.

“Illinois continues to attract big production companies, boosting our business and manufacturing sectors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m thrilled to welcome yet another manufacturing company to the 40th District, bringing jobs and economic growth to the area.”

Founded in the Netherlands in 1968, Voortman Steel has grown into a leading manufacturer for plate, beam and pipe steel processing machines. Bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois Fund, Voortman Steel’s Monee expansion represents another step forward for Illinois’ advanced manufacturing sector.

KANKAKEE – In order to allow all Illinois residents to have access to high-speed internet, State Senator Patrick Joyce has played an essential role in ensuring federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is being used efficiently.

“Access to high-speed internet isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity in today’s digital age,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “From education to health care to economic opportunities, reliable internet access is vital for all communities to have, even rural areas.”

The Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 included $42.45 billion for the BEAD Program in an effort to connect all U.S. households, small businesses and community anchor institutions to high-speed internet. Around $1 billion in BEAD funding has been allocated to Illinois to provide internet access to the approximately 230,000 entities in the state that cannot get access to at least 100/20 Mbps service or 1/1 Gbps service.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce introduced a measure before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday that would expand the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Will County.

“The transfer of this portion of land would be a big win for the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By acquiring more land, there would be an increased opportunity for public uses, allowing residents to further enjoy the natural resources included within.”

KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don Harmon appointed Joyce as co-chair of the task force along with State Representative Mike Kelly.

“For quite some time, we have seen an issue recruiting and retaining first responders for different emergencies – which is detrimental to our neighbors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m ready to figure out the why, and to find solutions to tackle this shortage of workers in order to keep all of our communities safe.” 

The task force is responsible for discovering the steps Illinois can take to assist local governments to recruit and retain public employee firefighters and paramedics, consider any barriers to the process of recruitment and retention, and outline how well the state provides a pathway for qualified individuals to obtain the necessary skills needed to seek employment of these positions.

“Not having these essential positions filled is a serious problem when it comes to the safety and well-being of all Illinois residents,” said Joyce. “As a co-chair, I believe we will be able to understand the implications and bring light to the issue.”

Joyce’s appointment to the task force us effective immediately and expires January 2025.

KANKAKEE — State Senator Patrick Joyce recently joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to announce the reopening of the popular Chippewa campground, located in Kankakee River State Park.

“I have always been an advocate for outdoor recreation and activities, so it is amazing to finally see this campsite open back up,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are thrilled to welcome people back to Chippewa. After being closed for some time, we can now ensure a safe and enjoyable space where families and campers can go to spend time outdoors.”

The Chippewa campground closed at the end of the fall 2015 camping season after a pump broke in the 1,700-foot well that serves the campground. The well provides water for drinking, bathing, cleaning and more. The project included construction of a new facility to treat water on site and other improvements. Work was delayed during the two-year state budget impasse.

The campground is located on Illinois 102, about two miles west of the Kankakee River State Park main office. It has 98 total campsites, which are available by reservation only. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.com.

SPRINGFIELD – A comprehensive plan backed by State Senator Patrick Joyce that aims to increase renewable energy procurement and promote environmental conservation was signed into law last Friday.

“By using our existing hydropower infrastructure, we are minimizing the need for additional construction and associated costs,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Right here in the 40^th District, we have two major hydropower dams that will benefit greatly from this new law.”

The new law aims to support hydropower dams across the state, especially the Kankakee Hydropower Dam and the Wilmington Dam located in Joyce’s district. The law will require the Illinois Power Agency to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This will help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

“The state’s energy goals can be achieved through this measure, while discouraging the construction of new dams by taking away incentives for these projects,” said Joyce. “There’s no need for new dams, when we already have the available resources. This highlights the importance of using our current resources wisely.”

Senate Bill 1474 was signed and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.