Joyce commends Shapiro Development Center investment in Kankakee

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is commending Illinois’ “Surplus to Success” program for their effort and investment of unutilized land in Kankakee.

“This program takes the forgotten projects of the past and turns them into projects of the future with a boost from private investment,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The Shapiro Development Center’s unused land is ripe for investment and has the potential to bring jobs and economic success to Kankakee.”

Illinois pledged a historic $500 million investment in site readiness—marking a bold step forward in transforming unused state properties into hubs of economic opportunity. This investment—which represents the largest site readiness investment in state history—will prepare sites across the state to attract new industries, create jobs, and bring new life to communities that have long been impacted by shuttered or unused facilities. The “Surplus to Success” program is led by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, which will prepare idle state-owned properties for private development.

Read more: Joyce commends Shapiro Development Center investment in Kankakee

Joyce working to save the Illinois harness racing industry

SPRINGFIELD – To give a boost to the horse racing industry and Illinois’ economy, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill that would, among multiple measures, allow for the development of new horse racing tracks in Illinois.

“This proposal will provide an injection of life into the horse racing industry in our state without any cost to the taxpayer,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Supporting the industry creates thousands of permanent jobs including breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farmers and more.”

Senate Bill 1473 would allow for the construction of a new harness track in Macon County. The bill would also set a deadline for the development of an additional harness race track and horse racetrack casino, or racino, in Cook County’s south suburbs.

A harness racing track in Decatur to be privately financed, requiring no state dollars, is one of the goals of the legislation. The proposal includes a mile-long harness racing track with grandstands, a sports complex and recreation fields, a gaming facility, retail, restaurants and lodging, more than 300 stalls and RV parking. The development projects 300 full-time jobs, 100% union labor and participation, and $27 million in annual, new revenue.

“Illinois used to be a top destination for horseracing and the equine industry more generally. But years of disinvestment dating back to the early 2000s have taken their toll,” said Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association President Jeff Davis. “Horse racing thrives in other states, and it can here too if given the chance. We’re hopeful state and local officials will embrace this extraordinary opportunity as a means to generate much needed revenue and put Illinois back on the map.”

Senate Bill 1473 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday.

Joyce launches annual Summer Book Club

KANKAKEE – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“Book clubs build strong reading habits, research skills and lead to student achievement,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Our Summer Book Club was a huge hit last year and the goal is to keep growing it every year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Joyce’s Kankakee office or fill out an online form by Aug. 22. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card or attend a pizza party hosted by Joyce.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com. People with questions can reach out to Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.

Joyce secures $2.7 million grant for multi-use paths in Park Forest and Chicago Heights

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $2.7 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use paths in Chicago Heights and the Village of Park Forest. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“This is an investment into connecting our communities with safe and accessible infrastructure,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to fight on behalf of the residents of 40^th District for the funding their communities deserve.”

Read more: Joyce secures $2.7 million grant for multi-use paths in Park Forest and Chicago Heights