Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce
  • Home
  • |
  • News
    • People of the 40th
  • |
  • Biography
  • |
  • Events
  • |
  • 40th District
  • |
  • Resources
    • College Resources
  • |
  • Contact Me

Joyce working to save the Illinois harness racing industry

Details
Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 04:44 PM

HarnessRacing

SPRINGFIELD – To give a boost to the horse racing industry and Illinois’ economy, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill that would, among multiple measures, allow for the development of new horse racing tracks in Illinois.

“This proposal will provide an injection of life into the horse racing industry in our state without any cost to the taxpayer,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Supporting the industry creates thousands of permanent jobs including breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farmers and more.”

Senate Bill 1473 would allow for the construction of a new harness track in Macon County. The bill would also set a deadline for the development of an additional harness race track and horse racetrack casino, or racino, in Cook County’s south suburbs.

A harness racing track in Decatur to be privately financed, requiring no state dollars, is one of the goals of the legislation. The proposal includes a mile-long harness racing track with grandstands, a sports complex and recreation fields, a gaming facility, retail, restaurants and lodging, more than 300 stalls and RV parking. The development projects 300 full-time jobs, 100% union labor and participation, and $27 million in annual, new revenue.

“Illinois used to be a top destination for horseracing and the equine industry more generally. But years of disinvestment dating back to the early 2000s have taken their toll,” said Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association President Jeff Davis. “Horse racing thrives in other states, and it can here too if given the chance. We’re hopeful state and local officials will embrace this extraordinary opportunity as a means to generate much needed revenue and put Illinois back on the map.”

Senate Bill 1473 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday.

 

Joyce launches annual Summer Book Club

Details
Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 11:46 AM

Joyce SummerBookClub Socials

KANKAKEE – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“Book clubs build strong reading habits, research skills and lead to student achievement,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Our Summer Book Club was a huge hit last year and the goal is to keep growing it every year.”

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 Kankakee office or fill out an online form by Aug. 22. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card or attend a pizza party hosted by Joyce.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com. People with questions can reach out to Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.

Joyce secures $2.7 million grant for multi-use paths in Park Forest and Chicago Heights

Details
Category: Press Releases
Friday, May 23, 2025 10:01 AM

ParkForestRoad

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $2.7 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use paths in Chicago Heights and the Village of Park Forest. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“This is an investment into connecting our communities with safe and accessible infrastructure,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to fight on behalf of the residents of 40th District for the funding their communities deserve.”

Read more: Joyce secures $2.7 million grant for multi-use paths in Park Forest and Chicago Heights

Joyce-led measure to expand hunting permit eligibility passes Senate

Details
Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 03:22 PM

Hunting

SPRINGFIELD – Landowners and farmers could soon have more flexibility when it comes to hunting on their own property under legislation from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This legislation would clear up the red tape stopping hunters from getting the permits they deserve,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If someone wishes to hunt on their own property, let’s get them the permits they need without the hassle and charge.”

House Bill 2340 would allow landowner deer, turkey and hunting permits to be issued without charge to Illinois landowners who own at least 20 acres in a county where there is positively identified chronic wasting disease cases in the deer herd, resident tenants of at least 20 acres of commercial agricultural land where they will hunt, or an owner, shareholder or partner of a business that owns at least 20 acres of land.

Read more: Joyce-led measure to expand hunting permit eligibility passes Senate

More Articles …

  1. Joyce raises awareness for home fire protection with resolution
  2. Joyce advances multiple measures to help landowners with deer control
  3. Joyce-supported proposal to address rising Xylazine crisis passes Senate
  4. Twelve school libraries in the 40th District receive funding thanks to Joyce
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

Page 1 of 63

Summer Book Club

French Heritage Corridor

eNewsletter Signup

Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Please let us know your email address.

Follow Sen. Joyce

facebooktwitter

Contact Me

Springfield Office:
Stratton Building
Section C, Office L
Springfield, IL 62706
217.782.7419

District Offices:
179 S. Wall St.
Kankakee, IL 60901
708.756.0882