SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement following Gov. JB Pritzker’s Budget Address Wednesday:

“The governor introduced a budget proposal at a critical moment in our state’s history. As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with many challenges, but this proposal sets forth the priorities to address them while also recognizing the importance of achieving and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“Our top priority has to be working families and small businesses that have suffered over the past two years. This budget does a number of things that incentivize families through grocery tax freezes, a gas tax suspension and property tax rebates. This budget also sustains our small businesses and protects jobs in our communities.

“This proposed budget is just the beginning of the negotiation process, and I am hopeful we can come together to craft a smart, bipartisan budget that puts our state’s best foot forward.”

SPRINGFIELD –To celebrate Career and Technical Education students across the state, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is leading the charge to establish February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month.

“Career and Technical Education programs not only provide quality education, but also offer real-world work experience that is invaluable to students,” said Joyce, a chief co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 698. “They play a vital role in setting their students up for success in and out of the classroom, and should be celebrated for their innovative approaches to teaching.”

Career and Technical Education, or CTE, are programs designed to prepare students for careers in major industries, such as finance, health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and education. Coursework includes both academic and technical materials, allowing many students to use their knowledge from the programs to earn industry-recognized credentials or college credits. This makes careers in these fields much more accessible for many students who may struggle to complete coursework in traditional academic programs.

KANKAKEE – In an effort to restore downtown Kankakee and boost economic growth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) introduced new legislation that would support investment in the City of Kankakee.

Joyce’s proposal – Senate Bill 3048 – would create a River Edge Redevelopment Zone in the City of Kankakee to receive the River Edge Tax Credit, designed to help older river communities redevelop properties.

“This legislation encourages investment in our community and offers a second chance to parts of our city that have become neglected over the years,” Joyce said. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax credit will promote economic development and stimulate jobs that will help revitalize downtown Kankakee.”

BRADLEY – Four local libraries in the 40th Senate District will receive nearly $65,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services, thanks to support from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). 

“Reading and comprehension is the foundation on which we learn,” Joyce said. “I am glad to see that so many deserving libraries in our community that prioritize this will benefit from this year’s grant.”

Three area libraries are set to receive a total of $64,351 to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides nearly $6 million in funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

The following libraries in the 40th District will receive funds:

• Bradley Public Library District: $17,174
• Limestone Township Library District: $24,820
• Flossmoor Elementary School District 161: $16,857
• Coal City Public Library: $5,500

“With the ongoing pandemic, our libraries have faced huge obstacles, such as limiting access and having enough staff, but this funding will put these libraries on the path to recovery,” Joyce said.

A full list of libraries receiving a grant can be found here.