ESSEX – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced a grant program involving $15 million in Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship funding to expand job training and career opportunities. State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging organizations in the construction industry to apply for this grant opportunity.

“This is a great program that could really benefit small businesses that qualify across our communities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The funding has the chance to help people within local organizations expand their opportunities while also boosting the economy of the state .”

The Illinois Works Program was created in 2019 and is designed to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects.

This year, the state budget allocated $8 million in funding for new organizations that train, educate and help prospective workers navigate the job search process, and $7 million for programs that currently receive funding but have exceeded performance benchmarks.

“I think it is important for businesses, as well as employees, to feel fulfilled and uplifted in their careers,” said Joyce. “I am inviting organizations in the area to apply for this funding that could really help them in the long run.”

For more information, visit the DCEO website.

SPRINGFIELD – To kick off Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, State Senator Patrick Joyce hosted a roundtable with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos along with other agriculture professionals to discuss future ag policy.

“As a fourth generation farmer, I know how important ag policy is for farmers and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Farm bills govern nearly 100% of agricultural and rural policy for the next five years, which is why it’s so important for Congress to work with the ag community and our state legislators to get it right.”

The hour-long discussion was hosted and moderated by Joyce and Bustos. Representatives from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Department of Agriculture joined the discussion to share their thoughts about different portions of the current farm bill and what changes they believe should be made in the next federal farm bill, set to be filed and discussed in 2023. 

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce a combined $8.5 million in funding to revitalize local downtowns and main streets in Bradley, Bourbonnais and Peotone through the Rebuild Illinois Program.

“Every town should have a central area to safely gather that is unique to their community,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The areas granted this funding will be able to enhance buildings and landscape while also creating safer conditions.”

DCEO announced a total of $106 million in capital grants awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois. Three villages in the district Joyce represents were included in the funding: Bradley, Bourbonnais and Peotone. Funds have been allocated to improve the route 50 corridor in Bradley, reconstruct Peotone’s downtown street and to invest in Bourbonnais’s Community Campus Project- which offers a variety of activities and events for residents.  

“Not only will this funding improve the communities, but it will provide an economic boost and job growth,” Joyce said. “These projects are a win-win for our community as a whole.”

For more information or to see the full list of recipients, people can visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Emergency dispatchers will now have access to many of the same services and benefits as other first responders thanks to legislation signed into law with support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“Emergency medical dispatchers are the first point of contact to gather clues and cues about an emergency,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This new law recognizes these folks in the important role that they play during a crisis.”  

The new law updates existing state statute to include “emergency medical dispatchers” as first responders, enabling them to receive many of the same services and benefits. The new law also recognizes not only the role that dispatchers play, but the fact that many of them face the same issues as other responders, including post-traumatic stress disorders and other issues.

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, two new laws will protect consumers from shady business practices and promote transparency.

“The goal of these new laws is to protect small businesses and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Keeping our stores and delivery services transparent about pricing will ensure that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in Illinois law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. To ensure shoppers receive their discount, Joyce supported House Bill 2910 to require supermarkets to show both the regular and sale prices of items as they are rung up.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, and many people can become addicted without even realizing it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Establishing a statewide drug take-back program provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs and helps educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to dispose of prescription substances.

SPRINGFIELD – A Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Representative Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) measure to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Wednesday.

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” Joyce said.

House Bill 4161 aims to increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supports a new law that aims to reduce catalytic converter theft.

“We are seeing a record number of catalytic converters being stolen,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Something needed to change, and this new law will help reduce unauthorized cash sales of these converters.”

The law, previously House Bill 107, adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring businesses to keep record on catalytic converter sales. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen is now required.