SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a measure on Wednesday that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state.

“With the right education, accidental fires are preventable,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We must provide insight and proper education so children will be knowledgeable about the damage that can come from fires and provide them with the tools to make responsible decisions.”

This legislation would create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

These positions would help local authorities in stressing the importance of fire safety. They would conduct firesetter interventions that would work closely with families, schools and other organizations to provide education, support and guidance to children.

”Fire prevention education saves lives,” said Joyce. “By providing targeted intervention and prevention strategies, we can help protect public safety and prevent future incidents of firesetting behavior in our communities.”

Senate Bill 1421 advanced through the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

KANKAKEE- With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is distributing nearly $3 million in grant funds to multiple communities in the 40^th District as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

“The funds from the OSLAD grants are a great resource for our communities so improvements can be made to parks and other outdoor spaces to continue to make them useful for folks,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Not only does this investment help keep our outdoor areas appealing, it continues to build up and maintain spaces for people to visit for safe, public outdoor recreation.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure introduced by State Senator Patrick Joyce aims to encourage more people to complete firefighter training to address the shortage Illinois is currently facing in finding firefighters.

“The number of volunteer firefighters has been declining for almost a decade,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This opportunity would give people the chance to get proper firefighter training to become an experienced volunteer in their communities.”

Fire departments all over the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. Senate Bill 1611 is an initiative to combat these shortages to give people the opportunity to undergo firefighter training courses.

Senate Bill 1611 would create the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act, which would provide state employees leave from their state employment for firefighter training.

“People in our communities rely on first responders for countless issues,” said Joyce. “It’s important that we address this shortage to make sure emergency responders have enough resources to respond quickly.”

Senate Bill 1611 passed the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement following governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“Our state’s law enforcement work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. I was pleased to see that the governor’s proposed budget prioritizes our state’s law enforcement by incorporating two state trooper cadet classes to graduate an additional 200 sworn troopers to provide reinforcements to our first responders who put their lives on the line to protect residents across Illinois.

“I agree that we need to increase investments in programs to assist our seniors to ensure they live their lives with the dignity and respect they deserve. The proposed funding increase to the Meals on Wheels program will give them much needed support.

“Communities across our region are lacking equitable access to fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy food options. I am glad to see the governor propose funding to address food securities and hope he finds ways to further engage local farmers and suppliers to ensure that they are a part of a meaningful solution to this epidemic.

“Our state’s infrastructure connects our region and support our small businesses to help drive our state’s economy. I hope the governor continues his commitment to protect our roads, bridges and highways through the Rebuild Illinois program.

“As the budget process continues, I will continue to fight to prioritize the needs and values of the South Suburbs. It’s important that we pass a budget that is balanced, fair and will benefit our communities.

“This proposed budget is just the beginning of the negotiation process, and I am hopeful we can come together to put forth a smart, bipartisan budget that will provide security and stability for our state.”