SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 102nd General Assembly.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I am honored to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee,” Joyce said. “I’ve seen firsthand the issues and concerns facing the farming community, and I look forward to leading the committee to make sure our farmers’ best interests are kept in mind.”

During these challenging times for farms, ranches and rural communities throughout the state, Joyce vows to be a strong representative to address critical matters affecting Illinois’ food supply chain. He intends to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries.

“Agriculture is a vital industry in my district and the state of Illinois,” Joyce said. “I will strive to improve resources and supports for the Illinoisans who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.”

Joyce served as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 101st General Assembly.

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 – 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.

“The legislation would have passed with or without my support, but I felt it was important to make known my concerns that the legislation was rushed through at the last minute, with virtually no time to sort through it. Our criminal justice system could be improved, but last-minute amendments and hasty negotiations will not help us reach that goal. I look forward to continuing the discussion of careful, thoughtful, tailored reforms by engaging all stakeholders and granting this important subject the time it deserves.”

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.