Press Releases

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced 21 public libraries and school districts across the 40th District are set to receive more than $385,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“For years, our local libraries have continued to bring people together,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Libraries are not just places you go to check out books. They are also pillars in building tight-knit communities.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

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 worked to expand the comptroller’s ability to investigate crematory’s operations.

“By bringing together both the comptroller’s office and the funeral industry, we were able to craft legislation that allows crematoriums to operate successfully and ethically,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “When you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you should have to worry about is how their remains are treated.”

House Bill 4695 will expand the comptroller's ability to investigate a licensed crematory, its records or any other aspects of crematory operation the comptroller deems appropriate. It will 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 will be able to suspend the crematory’s license. The law will also implement additional penalties for violations.

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.