MANHATTAN – The village of Manhattan will soon see $725,000 in improvements on South Park Street thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce’s support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.

“Investing in these crucial improvements now will make the lives of our residents and visitors easier for years to come,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is another boost to our recovering economy as we move forward from the worst of the pandemic.”

A total of $725,000 has been allocated through the next disbursement of Rebuild Illinois program funding to improve and reconstruct South Park Street from 1st Street to North Street. This project in the district Joyce represents is one of 34 projects announced Tuesday totaling $50.7 million. 

The Joyce-backed multi-year infrastructure plan – Rebuild Illinois – brings forth a total of $1.5 billion spread out in six installments to be invested over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

“Investment in our communities’ infrastructure goes a long way,” said Joyce. “I’m proud to support the Rebuild Illinois program, as it represents the state’s commitment to restoring our aging infrastructure.”

A full list of projects funded by the Rebuild Illinois plan can be found by visiting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supports a new law that aims to reduce catalytic converter theft.

“We are seeing a record number of catalytic converters being stolen,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Something needed to change, and this new law will help reduce unauthorized cash sales of these converters.”

The law, previously House Bill 107, adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring businesses to keep record on catalytic converter sales. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen is now required.

Read more: Joyce commends new law to crack down on catalytic converter theft

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Legislation designed to provide law enforcement with additional resources to combat carjackings was signed into law thanks to the efforts of State Senator Patrick Joyce.

According to a January report from CNN, cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings. More than 1,800 carjackings were reported in Chicago last year, according to data released by police departments to CNN.

“The number of carjackings in our state is alarming,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Innocent people are affected by this crime on a daily basis and I’m glad to see these measures signed into law to address the issues head on.”

House Bill 601 modernizes the definition of the possession of burglary tools offense to include devices designed to unlock or start a vehicle without a key and devices designed to capture or duplicate a signal from a key fob. Car thieves have exploited new technology that can pick up the RFID signal from a key fob at a distance, allowing a victim’s vehicle to be unlocked or stolen even while the fob remains in their home. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Illinois saw a 13% increase in car thefts from 2019-2020.

Read more: Joyce backs new laws to protect people from carjackings

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have an added incentive to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce signed this month. 

“The new law supports vehicles manufactured right here in Illinois,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I have an Illinois first mentality when it comes to supporting new legislation.”

Illinoisans purchasing cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title under Senate Bill 3609. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.

“This is good for our economy, it encourages the purchase of goods manufactured here in Illinois,” said Joyce. 

The legislation will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.