PARK FOREST – On behalf of concerned citizens who contacted his office to discuss the issues facing their families and neighborhoods, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) championed several initiatives to benefit his community and people across the state of Illinois during the spring legislative session.

“I firmly believe we are most successful when we have open conversations, so we can work together to implement change when ideas or issues arise,” Joyce said. “Some of my most recent legislative initiatives have involved constituents bringing their concerns to me, and together, we have made remarkable progress this past year.”

Joyce championed a new law this spring for the residents of Pembroke Township who have suffered from a lack of resources and investment. With 2,100 residents relying on propane, wood-burning stoves and electric space heaters, Joyce worked with the people and leaders of Pembroke to bring a natural gas pipeline to the township. Thanks to Joyce’s leadership, residents will be able to apply for state grants to help cover the cost of converting stoves, heaters and other appliances to be compatible with natural gas.

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.

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.”

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.”