KANKAKEE – A new law on the books will prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

This new law was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“All kids deserve the chance to learn entrepreneurship from an early age,” Joyce said. “Hayli’s Law is a good step toward making that happen and will allow our young entrepreneurs to dream big without any hurdles.”

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

NEW LENOX – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield.

“Giving residents the opportunity to come to the table and provide input on what’s happening in our community or in Springfield is vital, and that’s why my office continues to host events like this,” Joyce said. “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Gost Coffee Roasters located at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox.

This is another effort from Joyce’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

This event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

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.

Detailed instructions and the 2022 application form can be accessed through the ICF website. Applications must be received by the ICF by March 1, 2022.

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..

MANTENO – As Veterans Day approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is asking residents to write friendly, encouraging letters in an effort to thank our heroes in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave American men and women who have served our country,” Joyce said. “Join me in writing letters to our veterans so we can show our appreciation to all of them.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veteran’ home in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The effort was first launched in 2020 ahead of Veterans Day in November. The letter-writing campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Senator Joyce represents Manteno, which provides care for up to 294 skilled care and special needs veterans.

“Let’s show our support for our veterans and send these heroes letters to thank them for their service,” Joyce said.

To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here, if someone would rather send a physical letter.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) sponsored a resolution to recognize Oct. 28 as First Responders Day in Illinois.

This designated day recognizes and remembers the first responders lost and extends gratitude to all first responders for continuously putting their lives on the line for the citizens of Illinois.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” Joyce said. “That’s why we have dedicated this day as a way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable emergency workers in our communities.”

NEW LENOX – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is inviting New Lenox residents to attend his November Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event on Saturday, Nov. 20.

“These casual conversations provide the perfect opportunity for folks to chat with their state senator,” Joyce said. “The goal of this event is to ensure we are accessible and available to residents so they have the opportunity to discuss their issues and ideas in a comfortable setting.”

The event will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Gost Coffee Roasters located at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox.

This is the third Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event Joyce has hosted. This is another effort from Joyce’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

“I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them,” Joyce said.

This event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce’s (D-Essex) proposal to declare Oct. 28, 2021 as First Responders Day in Illinois cleared the Senate Wednesday.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line each day to ensure our safety, protection and well-being,” Joyce said. “I’m thrilled that this measure has been adopted by my colleagues in the Senate and will allow us to properly celebrate these folks next week.”

This idea was brought to Joyce by a 911 dispatcher in Kankakee County and led to Senate Resolution 534. This designated day will recognize and remember the first responders lost and extends gratitude to all first responders for continuously putting their lives on the line for the citizens of Illinois.

In addition, it specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety. 

“There’s no question our first responders have difficult jobs,” Joyce said. “Designating this day to our first responders will ensure we all pause and reflect on all they do for us and our communities.”

Senate Resolution 534 was adopted by the Senate with bipartisan support.