News

BRAIDWOOD – Building on his strong commitment to public safety, State Senator Patrick Joyce secured nearly $2,500 for the Braidwood Fire Protection District to help with purchasing new equipment or paying for fire training.

“Rural fire districts often cover much larger service areas than those in the city,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “With that comes the challenges of managing large territories alongside a statewide firefighter shortage, leaving rural departments stretched thin on resources and volunteers. That is why it is critical we secure funding for districts like Braidwood, to ensure that all Illinoisans are protected equally. ”

The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, matches funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to local fire departments and fire training academies.

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies.  In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill that would expand the comptroller’s ability to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we all pass on one day, our last requests are often to be cremated or buried with dignity and respect,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This means funeral homes must operate at a level of care and professionalism that puts families dealing with loss at ease.”

House Bill 4695 would expand the comptroller's powers to investigate a licensed crematory, its records or any other aspects of crematory operation the comptroller deems appropriate. It would permit the comptroller to perform an unannounced inspection of the premises. As part of its investigations, if the comptroller finds any violation or wrongdoing under the grounds for dismissal that constitute an imminent danger to the public, the comptroller could suspend the crematory’s license. The bill would also implement additional penalties for violations.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize vehicle law to reflect the growth in agricultural technology, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure through the full Senate that would allow heavier farm wagons and similar agricultural equipment to qualify for existing code exemptions on the road.

“A farmer who operates in my district came to me and helped shine a light on the issue we have here,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We have a farmer who is just trying to move his crops from the field to his grain elevator down the road, and he is getting pulled over for being over a weight limit that hasn’t been adjusted in over 45 years.”

KANKAKEE – To prevent the “summer slide,” State Senator Patrick Joyce is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 40th District.

“It can be easy for young students to drift away from reading when the school year ends,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Reading over the summer helps students stay in a routine that can last for the rest of their lives.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Joyce’s district office by Aug. 21. Participants who complete the readings will receive a certificate and an invite to a pizza party thrown by Joyce.