SPRINGFIELD – In order to bring awareness to the rewarding, well-paid jobs resulting from career and technical education, the Illinois Senate adopted State Senator Patrick Joyce’s (D-Essex) resolution declaring February Career and Technical Education Month.

“Technical, vocational and trade education are an important and often overlooked part of the higher education system,” Joyce said.  “Too many people forget that many technical education degrees lead to careers that are as good as or better than jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree.”

Senate Resolution 983 explains and praises the many benefits of career and technical education.

Read more: Joyce’s resolution acknowledges and praises technical education

SPRINGFIELD – Because local governments deserve a bigger share of the state’s income tax revenue, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) introduced Senate Bill 3392, an initiative to relieve the burden of property taxes and shore up critical services and programs.

Originally introduced by State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, the plan increases state payments toward the Local Government Distributive Fund. When lawmakers increased the state income tax in 2011, they also reduced the amount of the LGDF for municipalities from 10% to 6%.

Read more: Joyce offers a bill that would restore state funds to local governments

SPRINGFIELD – After listening to Governor JB Pritzker’s second Budget Address, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) believes the governor is proposing smart investments to help working and middle class families succeed.

One of these investments is a $100 million increase in funding for the Child Care Assistance Program, which would help provide high quality care for an additional 140,000 children.

“Finding affordable child care can be the difference between success and poverty for young families,” Joyce said. “Expanding this program will help so many people establish their careers and get college degrees.”

Read more: Joyce: Continued investment in child care assistance supports Illinois economy

PARK FOREST – Senior citizens who have qualified for property tax exemptions in Cook County will only need to reapply one more time, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced.

Public Act 101-0622 removes the requirement that recipients of the Senior Homestead Exemption in Cook County reapply for the exemption every year.

Read more: Senior tax exemptions will now renew automatically