SPRINGFIELD – New law supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce, makes opioid overdose reversal drug, naloxone, more accessible was signed into law on Thursday.

“As we continue to deal with the ongoing opioid crisis in Illinois, it is important to have lifesaving medication available,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I supported this law because it will save lives.”

House Bill 4408 prohibits insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses.

More than 75,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2020 – and in one out of three cases, a bystander was present who could have saved the person’s life, had naloxone been accessible. House Bill 4408 is another step toward saving lives from the deadly effects of opioids.

“In order to help people struggling with addiction, we need to keep them alive,” said Joyce.

House Bill 4408 is now signed into law and is effective Jan. 1, 2024.

UNIVERSITY PARK – Governors State University will receive $450,000 for workforce recovery efforts as part of a $20 million state investment with support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“During my time in the General Assembly, I have been a strong advocate for more resources for job training so that our upcoming workforce has the means to be successful,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This grant will provide GSU students with additional opportunities.”

A total of 44 community-based organizations will receive Job Training and Economic Development Program grants, which aim to expand access to workforce training services and support for unemployed or underemployed Illinois citizens.

MANHATTAN – The village of Manhattan will soon see $725,000 in improvements on South Park Street thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce’s support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.

“Investing in these crucial improvements now will make the lives of our residents and visitors easier for years to come,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is another boost to our recovering economy as we move forward from the worst of the pandemic.”

A total of $725,000 has been allocated through the next disbursement of Rebuild Illinois program funding to improve and reconstruct South Park Street from 1st Street to North Street. This project in the district Joyce represents is one of 34 projects announced Tuesday totaling $50.7 million. 

The Joyce-backed multi-year infrastructure plan – Rebuild Illinois – brings forth a total of $1.5 billion spread out in six installments to be invested over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

“Investment in our communities’ infrastructure goes a long way,” said Joyce. “I’m proud to support the Rebuild Illinois program, as it represents the state’s commitment to restoring our aging infrastructure.”

A full list of projects funded by the Rebuild Illinois plan can be found by visiting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supports a new law that aims to reduce catalytic converter theft.

“We are seeing a record number of catalytic converters being stolen,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Something needed to change, and this new law will help reduce unauthorized cash sales of these converters.”

The law, previously House Bill 107, adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring businesses to keep record on catalytic converter sales. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen is now required.