SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support the Illinois agriculture industry took effect Jan. 1, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a fourth-generation farmer, is excited to see the positive change that will come from this new legislation.

“Agriculture is a vital industry across Illinois,” Joyce said. “I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues this past spring on issues that help our agriculture industry thrive.” 

Legislation that took effect in the new year includes:

• SB 1245: Starting this year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is required to announce, via a statewide news release, the dates, shooting hours, sites and counties that are open for deer hunting between Sept. 1 and Feb. 15.
• SB 1624: Under this law, agricultural sciences and agricultural education to count as requirements for university admission.

“My colleagues and I were able to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries to implement these new laws,” Joyce said. “I look forward to seeing what we will be able to accomplish in the upcoming spring session.” 

To view a full list of new laws that took effect Jan. 1, visit the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus website.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

MANTENO – As Veterans Day approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is asking residents to write friendly, encouraging letters in an effort to thank our heroes in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave American men and women who have served our country,” Joyce said. “Join me in writing letters to our veterans so we can show our appreciation to all of them.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veteran’ home in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The effort was first launched in 2020 ahead of Veterans Day in November. The letter-writing campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Senator Joyce represents Manteno, which provides care for up to 294 skilled care and special needs veterans.

“Let’s show our support for our veterans and send these heroes letters to thank them for their service,” Joyce said.

To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here, if someone would rather send a physical letter.