Joyce helps secure over $2 million in job training funding for the 40th District

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce secured over $2 million to further expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program into Kankakee and Cook County.

“You may not fully realize it, but trades are what make our communities run smoothly,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Think about electricians, plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians. These are essential skilled services that communities rely on every single day.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Joyce’s district, Rincon Family Services – in Kankakee – will receive $1,650,000. Bethel Family Resource Center – in Chicago Heights – will receive $484,000. Both family resource centers work to support pre-apprenticeship students and strengthen their communities.

Read more: Joyce helps secure over $2 million in job training funding for the 40th District

Joyce supports measure to address synthetic opioid crisis

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a proposal that would address the rise in synthetic opioids, along with other synthetic drugs.

“The rise in new synthetic opioids is a threat to our communities that we cannot ignore,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This legislation has taken years’ worth of work and dedication, and I am proud to see it moving in the right direction.”

Joyce is co-sponsoring the proposal, brought by the Illinois State Police, in response to the steep increase in Xylazine related drug overdoses reported in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Xylazine related overdose deaths increased from two reported deaths in 2018, to 45 in 2020 and 155 deaths in 2021.

Read more: Joyce supports measure to address synthetic opioid crisis

Joyce calls for a shift in priorities after governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement:

“When looking at the governor’s proposed budget, we need to focus on what really matters: the middle class and prioritizing not raising taxes. Our communities have sent us a clear message: we need to limit government spending and ease the burden on hard working families.”

“I understand this is only the beginning of budget negotiations and I plan to do right by the people of Illinois by working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to get our priorities back on track.”  

Joyce sworn in during 104th General Assembly inauguration

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Patrick Joyce was sworn in to another term in the Illinois Senate Wednesday, as the 104^th General Assembly officially began.

“Illinois has some serious issues residents are facing and feeling every day, and I’m ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we deliver real solutions that improve the lives of everyone in the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to be a common-sense voice down in Springfield and will always put people above party and politics.” 

Joyce, a Democrat from Essex, was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and was elected to serve his third full term in November. He represents the 40^th District, which includes portions of southern Cook County, a majority of Kankakee County, an eastern portion of Will County and southeastern Grundy County.

During his time in office, Joyce has focused on improving the agriculture industry, increasing access to health care and lowering property taxes.