Joyce announces nearly $3 million in local OSLAD grants

• parks
• IDNR
• OSLAD

KANKAKEE- With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is distributing nearly $3 million in grant funds to multiple communities in the 40^th District as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

“The funds from the OSLAD grants are a great resource for our communities so improvements can be made to parks and other outdoor spaces to continue to make them useful for folks,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Not only does this investment help keep our outdoor areas appealing, it continues to build up and maintain spaces for people to visit for safe, public outdoor recreation.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

Read more: Joyce announces nearly $3 million in local OSLAD grants

Joyce measure to encourage firefighter training

• State Government

SPRINGFIELD – A measure introduced by State Senator Patrick Joyce aims to encourage more people to complete firefighter training to address the shortage Illinois is currently facing in finding firefighters.

“The number of volunteer firefighters has been declining for almost a decade,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This opportunity would give people the chance to get proper firefighter training to become an experienced volunteer in their communities.”

Fire departments all over the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. Senate Bill 1611 is an initiative to combat these shortages to give people the opportunity to undergo firefighter training courses.

Senate Bill 1611 would create the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act, which would provide state employees leave from their state employment for firefighter training.

“People in our communities rely on first responders for countless issues,” said Joyce. “It’s important that we address this shortage to make sure emergency responders have enough resources to respond quickly.”

Senate Bill 1611 passed the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

Joyce: Looking forward to budget proposals and future negotiations

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement following governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“Our state’s law enforcement work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. I was pleased to see that the governor’s proposed budget prioritizes our state’s law enforcement by incorporating two state trooper cadet classes to graduate an additional 200 sworn troopers to provide reinforcements to our first responders who put their lives on the line to protect residents across Illinois.

“I agree that we need to increase investments in programs to assist our seniors to ensure they live their lives with the dignity and respect they deserve. The proposed funding increase to the Meals on Wheels program will give them much needed support.

“Communities across our region are lacking equitable access to fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy food options. I am glad to see the governor propose funding to address food securities and hope he finds ways to further engage local farmers and suppliers to ensure that they are a part of a meaningful solution to this epidemic.

“Our state’s infrastructure connects our region and support our small businesses to help drive our state’s economy. I hope the governor continues his commitment to protect our roads, bridges and highways through the Rebuild Illinois program.

“As the budget process continues, I will continue to fight to prioritize the needs and values of the South Suburbs. It’s important that we pass a budget that is balanced, fair and will benefit our communities.

“This proposed budget is just the beginning of the negotiation process, and I am hopeful we can come together to put forth a smart, bipartisan budget that will provide security and stability for our state.”

Joyce applauds GEER grant awarded to Governors State University

• Grant
• Higher Education
• Governors State University

UNIVERISTY PARK – Governors State University is among one of 21 higher education institutions that have been awarded funding from the Illinois Board of Higher Education in the second round of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund grants, State Senator Patrick Joyce announced Friday.

“Many of our state’s higher education students struggled with hard times academically as a result of the pandemic,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “In order for students to get back on the right track, it’s important that universities are providing resources for them in order to grow and be successful.”

This is the second round of GEER grants to Illinois institutions of higher education to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic. More than $10.5 million in grants have been distributed to 21 universities in the state, both public and private institutions. Governors State University has been awarded over $445,000 as a result of the second round of grants.

These funds will help institutions better support students in their journey toward degree completion by improving the accessibility of academic advising and counseling resources and enhancing the quality of learning through digital tools and educator professional development. Grant funds will also help institutions invest in infrastructure for mental health and wellness by addressing gaps in mental health services on campus and improving the availability of counseling services.

“College can already be a difficult transition for groups of people who have historically been left behind, and COVID did not make it any easier,” said Joyce. “I’m glad that the Board of Higher Education has acknowledged this and is enabling colleges in the state to help our students.”

For more information about the second round of GEER grants and to see a complete list of grant recipients, visit IBHE’s website.