PARK FOREST— To encourage young people to continue learning this summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging kids to participate in his Summer Book Club for children and young people who live in the 40th State Senate District.

“The purpose of this reading club is to inspire our youth to read during the summer when school is out,” Joyce said. “This book club also offers a completion incentive, giving kids something to work toward during the summer months.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Joyce’s office by Aug. 11. Participants will receive a gift card and certificate from Senator Joyce. 

“This Summer Book Club makes reading fun and promotes lifelong learning,” Joyce said. “I am encouraging young readers to set aside 10-15 minutes a day to read and make it a part of their summer routine.”

To receive a book club form, visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com to download and print the form, or call Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 to request a copy by mail.

Joyce urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.

KANKAKEE – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit was signed into law Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker. 

This new law was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“Opening a lemonade stand can teach kids about entrepreneurship and responsibility, so it’s really a great opportunity for them to learn while making some extra money,” Joyce said. “This new law will allow our young entrepreneurs to dream big without any hurdles.”

Under this measure, the Illinois Department of Public Health, a local health department or public health district cannot regulate the sale of lemonade or nonalcoholic drinks or mixed beverages by a person under age 16. The law also prevents authorities from requiring a permit for children to sell lemonade on private properties or in a public park.

Senate Bill 119 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

PARK FOREST – In an effort to promote resources available to small businesses and hear from small business owners and entrepreneurs, Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is accepting applications to tour shops, restaurants and other establishments in the 40th Senate District.

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Joyce said. “I am asking local businesses to submit their information and schedule a tour, so we can help empower and support our entrepreneurs as the state moves forward from the pandemic.”

Joyce said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions.

Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com/SmallBusinessTours. Joyce plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests that businesses submit their applications soon. Once an application is received, a member of Joyce’s team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

KANKAKEE – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging young photographers to submit photos for the 2021 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest.

“This is a great contest for kids, but also a great teaching moment about our state’s number one industry – agriculture,” Joyce said. “I encourage young photographers throughout the area to share their vision of Illinois agriculture by submitting an entry.”

Electronic photo submissions will be accepted from Illinois students ages 8-18. Top photographs will be chosen in three age categories: ages 8-10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student is permitted to submit up to two photos by June 24, 2021.
 
The photo contest is part of the Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and displayed at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.