PARK FOREST – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) encourages eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

“The price of attending college is a very serious concern for many students and families,” Joyce said. “This scholarship opportunity is a chance to help students lessen the burden of college debt – I hope every eligible high school senior applies.”

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each for the 2021-2022 school year. These scholarships are one-time awards that are not renewable. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, college or university fees, textbooks, or room and board. Funds are mailed directly to the college or university of the successful applicant.

Applications are due March 1. Awardees will be selected based on their contributions to Illinois’ natural resources throughout their high school enrollment. Applicants must possess a 2.5 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.1 grade point average or better on a 5.0 scale. Students must also be enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university in the calendar year of their high school graduation.

The application form is available online at the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s website. Questions should be addressed to the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – Increasing access to health care, improving the agriculture industry, and making investments in education are priorities for State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), who was sworn in today for his first full term in the Illinois Senate.

“After a difficult year, there is a great deal of work to be done in Springfield to improve the quality of life for everyone in the 40th District,” Joyce said. “I am prepared to meet those challenges head on, and I’m ready to get to work.”

Joyce, a Democrat from Essex, was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and stood for election in November. He represents the 40th District, which includes portions of southland, as well as a majority of Kankakee County, an eastern portion of Will County, and southeastern Grundy County.

His top goals include making the health care system easier to navigate and more supportive for those suffering from serious illness, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and affordable drinking water, and reducing class sizes throughout the state.

Joyce strives to keep everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information, and encourages people to reach out to his office at 708-756-0882 or via his website with questions and concerns.

This week marks the start of the 102nd General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement after the Senate passed a package of criminal justice reform legislation – House Bill 3653 – in the early hours Wednesday:

“I believe in reform, and I was actively involved in the negotiations of House Bill 3653. I contacted municipalities, pastors, the NAACP and law enforcement in my district to get their input and concerns, and brought that feedback directly to the sponsor so it would be considered as measures were drafted.

“When it came time to vote, I was concerned that a ‘no’ vote might have signaled that I do not think reform is needed—but I was not comfortable voting ‘yes’ on legislation that clearly needed more time and work. I therefore made the conscious choice not to vote on the legislation.

PARK FOREST – January is Radon Action Month, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and urging people to test their homes for this harmful gas.

“Higher levels of radon in the home can lead to life-threatening health issues, such as lung cancer,” Joyce said. “With more people staying at home, it’s important to test your home, whether it’s old or new, for radon to prevent unnecessary deaths.” 

Radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the nation, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois. Areas in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties, are shown to have higher levels of radon in the soil.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more. If not properly mitigated, radon gas can reach drastically high levels and cause major health concerns.   

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois are hosting two statewide contests that urge students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. High school students are invited to submit a 30-second commercial style video, and middle school students can design a poster to urge residents to test their homes for radon. For more information and to enter, click here.

“We are asking our youth to get involved and use their creativity to raise awareness,” Joyce said. “I encourage students to participate in the contests and submit an entry.”

For more information about radon, visit www.radon.illinois.gov. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.

KANKAKEE – To help keep workplaces safe as employees return to work after the holidays, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) secured an Illinois Department of Public Health mobile COVID-19 testing site in Kankakee County.

“Many people coming back from celebrating the holidays are seeking COVID-19 tests,” Joyce said. “The mobile testing site is a convenient way to get tested, which in turn will help prevent the spread of the virus following the holidays.”

The mobile testing site will operate now through Wednesday, Jan. 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day at the Kankakee County Health Department, located at 2390 W. Station St. in Kankakee.

PARK FOREST – With winter weather approaching, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) echoes the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway in reminding drivers to prepare for winter driving conditions.

“As we head into the winter, I am asking drivers to start thinking about safe winter driving,” Joyce said. “The preparations and plans you make today can keep you and other drivers safe in the months ahead.”

Drivers should be mindful of winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules during the winter months. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines: 

• Bookmark com to check travel conditions 24/7.
• Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois and your best defense if you are involved in a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the devices – it, too, is the law. 
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, check the weather forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public transportation options.
• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking are required throughout the winter.
• Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. Even if you see them, they may not see you. Any plow that’s hit must be pulled out of service, resulting in one less resource available to clear the roads. 
• Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous.
• Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas. All are prone to icing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency. For emergency assistance in the Chicago area, call *999.
• Give first responders and stranded drivers plenty of space. Obey the Move Over Law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
• For more winter driving tips, check out this short IDOT video. 

For more information on preparing for winter weather, visit IDOT.Illinois.gov.

PARK FOREST – During these unprecedented times, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is continuing to serve the community by answering constituents’ most pressing questions and keeping everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information.

“My office is ready and available to help folks navigate the rapidly changing COVID-19 updates and the programs and relief available to them,” Joyce said. “During this extremely difficult time, it is important that we all work together to stay safe and healthy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”

Senator Joyce’s staff is working remotely at this time. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered.

For help locating resources related to unemployment, food, shelter and other needs, Senator Joyce encourages folks to call his district office at 708-756-0882, his Springfield office at 217-782-7419, or email his staff here.

To get the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19 straight to their inbox, people are encouraged to sign up for Senator Joyce’s newsletter here. The Illinois Senate Democrats also rolled out a COVID-19 webpage, which outlines closures, family resources, the governor’s daily briefing and more. To find it, click here.

PARK FOREST – As local organizations across the state band together once again to promote charitable giving, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging those who are able to give back to their communities this Giving Tuesday.

“Many charitable organizations are having a hard time serving those in need amid the pandemic,” Joyce said. “Fortunately, the pandemic is motivating a lot of generosity, and with Giving Tuesday underway, I hope people will find creative ways to give back this holiday season to help those struggling.”

Giving Tuesday, created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good, has since grown into a global movement for charitable giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.