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KANKAKEE – Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end to summer and the last major holiday of the season. With more people expected to be on the roads this busy weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding people to celebrate safely and drive sober.
“There is no excuse for speeding or driving under the influence, because it can put you and others in harm’s way,” Joyce said. “As we head into the long Labor Day weekend, I encourage you to plan ahead so everyone can make it home safely.”
The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs now through the early morning hours of Sept. 7. During this period, motorists in Chicago Heights, Kankakee and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.
“Drunk driving is illegal, and it takes lives,” Joyce said. “Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe.”
The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) returned to Springfield Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 18, a comprehensive energy package saving thousands of jobs and protecting Illinois’ future as a leader in cutting-edge energy production. Following the passage of this important legislation, Joyce released the following statement:
“Under this landmark energy legislation, I’m proud and relieved to say the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants – which employ more than 1,500 workers – have a path to remain open. Thousands of hardworking Illinoisans can rest easy tonight knowing their livelihoods will not be stripped away and they’ll be able to put food on their family’s table.
“As a legislative body, we have a responsibility to protect our communities. These plants play an integral role in our community and are more than just a local power source - they have a direct impact on our economy, too. With that in mind, I was proud to vote yes on this package striking a good balance between addressing environmental concerns and supporting the workforce that powers our community and our state.”
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PEMBROKE – To help give the residents of Pembroke Township the ability to heat their homes more affordably, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) championed a new law that will bring natural gas service to the area. The law was supported and advanced by a group of stakeholders including the Village of Hopkins Park, Pembroke Township, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Senator Joyce, Representative Jackie Haas, Rainbow PUSH and Kankakee County.
“Pembroke residents have lived in a community that lacks the basic access to a natural gas service for far too long,” Joyce said. “I’m thrilled to see this transformative legislation signed into law so residents can have a reliable and affordable source of heat in their homes.”
The measure passed with bipartisan support.
“With the governor’s signature today, bringing safe, effective utilities to the people of Pembroke is now one step closer to becoming reality,” said State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee), the House sponsor of the measure. “This was a great bipartisan effort that had a lot of moving pieces but couldn’t have had a better result. I look forward to continuing to advocate for Pembroke until the job is done.”
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PARK FOREST – A dozen local libraries will receive over $250,000 in state funding to improve services and offer new products to residents, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Thursday.
“For many kids, literacy starts at the library,” Joyce said. “Investing in our libraries helps kids develop a love for reading that they can carry with them for their entire lives.”
Twelve libraries in the 40th District will receive a combined $251,663.55, part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.
Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.
“Folks depend on their public libraries for a wide variety of services, including books and news, internet access, and education,” Joyce said. “This funding will help ensure important resources remain available to those who need them.”
Read more: Joyce announces more than $250,000 in grants to 12 local libraries
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