KANKAKEE – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $1.4 billion in state and local highway road improvements for the 40^th District.

“To meet the demands of the present and the future, it is important we are maintaining our roads and bridges,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The 40^th District will see much needed roadway improvements in the coming years that will be a win-win for everyone.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Joyce represents will see 90 infrastructure projects totaling more than $1.4 billion over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Over $50.5 million in miscellaneous improvements along IL 53
• Preservation of pavements in Chicago Heights at US 30 and 14^th Street
• Interchange reconstruction and bridge replacement on I 57 at US 45/52 in Kankakee

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invest in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“I want to ensure our district stays connected, and there’s no better way for that to happen than significant improvements in infrastructure,” said Joyce “Not only are safer roads underway, but so are more job opportunities and increased economic development.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 40^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State employees will now be able to take time off for firefighter training thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are many communities in the state that rely on volunteer firefighters,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If we continue to see a shortage in the number of volunteer firefighters, we are leaving these communities extremely vulnerable and without the immediate assistance they need.”

Fire departments across the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. The new law aims to combat these shortages to give people the opportunity to undergo firefighter training courses by creating the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. This will allow state employees to take a leave from their job to attend firefighter training.

“Low numbers of volunteers are posing a major threat to public safety, especially in small towns and rural areas,” said Joyce. “This is a small step in the right direction in our efforts to recruit more volunteer firefighters and making sure all communities in Illinois are protected.”

Senate Bill 1611 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

KANKAKEE – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce is hosting a Summer Book Club.

“Summer break is a chance for students to have fun, but it’s still important to read during this time, too,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m encouraging students to participate in my Summer Book Club this year so they can continue to build their reading skills for the upcoming school year.”

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 Senator Joyce’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a certificate from Senator Joyce and will be invited to a pizza party hosted by the senator.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com or at any public library located in the 40^th District. Residents with questions can reach out to Joyce’s office at (708) 756-0882.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed a revenue package Wednesday containing a number of tax credits and exemptions. State Senator Patrick Joyce secured a major boost for the corn industry in Illinois by increasing the level of ethanol in fuel in order to be eligible for a fuel sales tax exemption.

“When the demand for ethanol based fuel goes up, we see the demand for Illinois corn rise as well,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This new tax structure will not only help farmers, but it’s also better for our environment.”

The tax exemption provides that the sales tax only apply to 90% of the proceeds of sales of gasohol, 80% of the proceeds of sales of mid-range ethanol blends and none of the proceeds of sales of majority blended ethanol fuel. The new tax structure will incentive the production of e15-e85 fuel blends.

“This is just a win-win situation for our state,” said Joyce. “It helps farmers by increasing corn demand and supports our environment by incentivizing the usage of cleaner-burning fuels.”

Senate Bill 1963 passed both chambers with bipartisan support and heads to the governor’s desk.