Joyce announces funding opportunity for fire departments

• Illinois State Fire Marshal
• Small Equipment Grant Program

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Office of the State Fire Marshal in announcing applications are now being accepted for the Small Equipment Grant Program.

“When first responders have access to new or updated equipment, it allows them to perform their jobs better,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This grant program helps ensure these services are receiving the support they need to protect our communities.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program assists fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those experiencing difficulty in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The grants allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment they may otherwise not be able to afford.

A total of $4 million in funding will be available through this year’s program to eligible fire departments and EMS services. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than Oct. 1, 2024.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit the OSFM’s website.

Joyce applauds $9 million for local lead service line replacements

KANKAKEE – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced over $9 million in funding to three communities in the 40^th District that will be used to replace lead service lines.

“These pipe replacements are an investment in our infrastructure, as well as in the health and well-being of communities for generations to come,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This funding is a good start, but we still have work to do as Illinois has more communities dealing with this issue. As a state, we must continue to prioritize clean drinking water.”

Over $43 million in funding will be awarded to 17 communities to replace lead service lines, with three communities located in Joyce’s District – Richton Park, Crete and Steger. The funding is provided through the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, which administers low-interest loan funding for drinking water, wastewater and storm water projects.

Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time. Lead can enter drinking water when corrosion of pipes or fixtures occurs. Service lines are small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many homes built prior to 1990 may have lead service lines or lead containing plumbing fixtures or faucets. For resources on lead in your home, visit the EPA’s website.

“We know lead service lines are a major obstacle for community water supplies throughout Illinois,” said Illinois EPA Interim Director James Jennings. “Illinois EPA is committed to utilizing our State Revolving Fund to maximize funding available to communities to remove the threat of lead in drinking water, while prioritizing disadvantaged communities that would have no other resources to take on this challenge.”

For more information and a complete list of recipients, click here.

Joyce urges local agencies to apply for park development grants

• parks
• IDNR
• OSLAD

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging local governmental agencies to apply for funding through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program following the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ announcement of $54 million in available funds.

“Parks and other recreational spaces play a vital role in our community and promote both physical and mental well-being,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s important for our area park departments to apply for funding opportunities like OSLAD so facilities can be updated regularly and continue to be accessible to residents.”

OSLAD is a matching grant program that offers funding assistance to local governments to acquire and develop land for public parks. OSLAD provides an advance payment of 50% of the grant award amount for approved development projects. Local agencies must demonstrate their ability to finance the remaining project costs before receiving the rest of the grant funds.

Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has become one of the state’s most popular grant programs, awarding over $585 million for park projects across the state. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 32 underserved communities received grants to enhance their local park facilities.

“I encourage eligible agencies to take advantage of this program so our parks can continue to serve not only us, but future generations too,” Joyce added.

The application period closes at 5 p.m. on Sept. 13. For more information, visit IDNR’s website.

Joyce-backed Healthcare Protection Act signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — With the strong support of State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Healthcare Protection Act was signed into law Wednesday. The act is a comprehensive plan tackling major issues in the health insurance industry and received bipartisan support in both chambers.

“There are some much-needed improvements in the health insurance industry, and this new law will make health care more accessible and transparent for all Illinoisans,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These insurance companies are intended to protect patients, but oftentimes processes create more hurdles. I’m proud to support legislation to eliminate many of these barriers to care.”

The Healthcare Protection Act addresses several key areas, including "ghost networks," which occur when networks list providers who are not taking new patients, do not accept the patient’s insurance or are retired. Under the law, insurance companies will be required to update their in-network care directories to improve transparency for consumers. Further, the measure extends the ban on unchecked insurance rate increases to large group plans in Illinois ensuring access to affordable care, and, as of Jan. 1, 2026, will eliminate the process of step therapy where a patient is required to try a lower-cost prescription before receiving the more expensive, originally prescribed drug.

The new law will also improve health care accessibility and eliminate unnecessary barriers by banning prior authorization for mental health treatment and mandating the public disclosure of treatments requiring prior authorization.

“I’m no stranger to the health care system, and like so many others, I know the anxiety and fear that comes with navigating it,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of the bill. “This new law makes real changes, putting patients and their doctors back in charge of their health care. Thank you to my colleagues and the leaders in the health care industry who helped us push this over the finish line.”

House Bill 5395 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.