SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have more access to mental and behavioral health specialists thanks to a law signed Friday supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This new law provides more access to mental health treatment,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The aim is to break down barriers so people can get care when they need it.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.

To address these issues, the new law focuses on expanding the current workforce. It accelerates the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois, as well as streamlines requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years. Additionally, it includes initiatives to support diversity in the mental health field, establishes tax credits, and includes provisions to improve quality and access to care for those seeking assistance.

The law, filed under Senate Bill 3617, takes effect immediately.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce’s office will be hosting mobile office hours at Grapes & Hops on Thursday, June 30 to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 40th District.

“These events give residents a more convenient way access me and my staff for legislative services,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I look forward to having a conversation with those who are available to join me.”

The event will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Grapes & Hops located at 251 S. Schuyler Ave. in Kankakee.

Read more: Joyce to hold mobile office hours in Kankakee

LOMBARD – State Senator Patrick Joyce received the Illinois Soybean Association Legislative Champion Award last week for going above and beyond in his advocacy efforts for Illinois soybean farmers.

“It is a privilege to advocate for our farmers and farm families at the state level,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Joyce (D-Essex). “I would like to thank the Illinois Soybean Association for this award in recognition of the work we’ve been able to accomplish for the agriculture industry.”

The night was full of celebration with farmers, legislators, urban partners, media and more. As part of the evening’s festivities, Joyce was recognized specifically for spearheading B20 legislation during the spring legislative session.

The legislation transitioned the sales tax exemption from 10% biodiesel blends to 19%, which not only significantly enhances the environmental benefits of biodiesel, but also strengthens demand for this Illinois-grown renewable fuel by about 125 million gallons annually.

“Incentivizing use of higher biodiesel blends helps the Illinois economy by increasing soybean demand while supporting a cleaner-burning fuel for the environment,” said Joyce. “Putting Illinois on a path to being a leader in biodiesel production is good for the environment, Illinois farmers and our economy.”

Read more about the work of the Illinois Soybean Association here.

SPRINGFIELD – To assist the Illinois State Police curb the rise in carjackings, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a new measure that will give more counties across the state expanded access to funding for expressway cameras.

“The Illinois State Police have had great success using expressway cameras to track down carjackings in process,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We want every part of Illinois to have access to the best technology to deter crime.”

Cameras are an important resource for law enforcement to investigate crimes that occur on the road. Under current law, the Illinois Department of Transportation must use revenue from the Road Fund to fund any cameras on expressways under their jurisdiction. House Bill 4481 expands the funds available for cameras by including expressways under the Illinois Tollway Authority’s jurisdiction. The Tollway must include funds intended for cameras in their annual budget request.

Read more: Illinois State Police carjacking initiative signed into law