SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement:

“The budget has a lot of great aspects, and many of the issues that are important to the 40^th District were addressed this year, but ultimately I could not support it.

“There were several spending issues I advocated to change that would have reduced the need for additional revenues. I would like to see continued efforts to reduce long-term debt and increases in funding for line items that would help local communities reduce property taxes and cost of living expenses. These are things we owe to middle class, hardworking Illinoisans.

“While I recognize and appreciate the efforts of my colleagues to address our state’s issues, I cannot in good conscious support a financial plan I believe falls short of adequately addressing the needs of our residents.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce passed the Senate Friday that would expand the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Will County.

“More land for the preserve translates to more opportunity for use,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is a commonly visited area for residents, and expanding the borders could eventually result in longer trails and more traffic to the preserve overall.”

Senate Bill 3091 authorizes the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to transfer over 10 acres of land to the Will County Forest Preserve to expand the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, located in Joyce’s district.

“The transfer of these 10 acres ensures the land will be well taken care of and managed properly,” said Joyce. “This is a site that brings people and nature together, and what better way to do that than by acquiring more land mass.”

Senate Bill 3091 now heads to the House for consideration.

KANKAKEE – In order to allow all Illinois residents to have access to high-speed internet, State Senator Patrick Joyce has played an essential role in ensuring federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is being used efficiently.

“Access to high-speed internet isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity in today’s digital age,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “From education to health care to economic opportunities, reliable internet access is vital for all communities to have, even rural areas.”

The Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 included $42.45 billion for the BEAD Program in an effort to connect all U.S. households, small businesses and community anchor institutions to high-speed internet. Around $1 billion in BEAD funding has been allocated to Illinois to provide internet access to the approximately 230,000 entities in the state that cannot get access to at least 100/20 Mbps service or 1/1 Gbps service.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Bethel Family Resource Center in Chicago Heights is set to receive funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, thanks to strong support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“We need to be investing in our workforce whenever possible,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This program continues to help our local economy and improves access for individuals seeking high-demand jobs in the trades.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $440,000 for Bethel Family Resource Center in Joyce’s district. The program creates a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades, as well as helps participants to secure employment and establish a career in the field.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs are comprehensive and help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity for obtaining employment in the trade of construction and securing a lifelong career.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs open doors for individuals to have a successful career and future,” said Joyce. “I remain dedicated to supporting and investing in our workforce so residents have the opportunity to have good-paying jobs that will benefit them, as well as our economy in the long run.”

To learn more about the grant funding and program and view the full list of recipients, visit here.