LOMBARD – State Senator Patrick Joyce received the Illinois Soybean Association Legislative Champion Award last week for going above and beyond in his advocacy efforts for Illinois soybean farmers.

“It is a privilege to advocate for our farmers and farm families at the state level,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Joyce (D-Essex). “I would like to thank the Illinois Soybean Association for this award in recognition of the work we’ve been able to accomplish for the agriculture industry.”

The night was full of celebration with farmers, legislators, urban partners, media and more. As part of the evening’s festivities, Joyce was recognized specifically for spearheading B20 legislation during the spring legislative session.

The legislation transitioned the sales tax exemption from 10% biodiesel blends to 19%, which not only significantly enhances the environmental benefits of biodiesel, but also strengthens demand for this Illinois-grown renewable fuel by about 125 million gallons annually.

“Incentivizing use of higher biodiesel blends helps the Illinois economy by increasing soybean demand while supporting a cleaner-burning fuel for the environment,” said Joyce. “Putting Illinois on a path to being a leader in biodiesel production is good for the environment, Illinois farmers and our economy.”

Read more about the work of the Illinois Soybean Association here.

SPRINGFIELD – To assist the Illinois State Police curb the rise in carjackings, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a new measure that will give more counties across the state expanded access to funding for expressway cameras.

“The Illinois State Police have had great success using expressway cameras to track down carjackings in process,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We want every part of Illinois to have access to the best technology to deter crime.”

Cameras are an important resource for law enforcement to investigate crimes that occur on the road. Under current law, the Illinois Department of Transportation must use revenue from the Road Fund to fund any cameras on expressways under their jurisdiction. House Bill 4481 expands the funds available for cameras by including expressways under the Illinois Tollway Authority’s jurisdiction. The Tollway must include funds intended for cameras in their annual budget request.

SPRINGFIELD – New law supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce, makes opioid overdose reversal drug, naloxone, more accessible was signed into law on Thursday.

“As we continue to deal with the ongoing opioid crisis in Illinois, it is important to have lifesaving medication available,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I supported this law because it will save lives.”

House Bill 4408 prohibits insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses.

More than 75,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2020 – and in one out of three cases, a bystander was present who could have saved the person’s life, had naloxone been accessible. House Bill 4408 is another step toward saving lives from the deadly effects of opioids.

“In order to help people struggling with addiction, we need to keep them alive,” said Joyce.

House Bill 4408 is now signed into law and is effective Jan. 1, 2024.

UNIVERSITY PARK – Governors State University will receive $450,000 for workforce recovery efforts as part of a $20 million state investment with support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“During my time in the General Assembly, I have been a strong advocate for more resources for job training so that our upcoming workforce has the means to be successful,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This grant will provide GSU students with additional opportunities.”

A total of 44 community-based organizations will receive Job Training and Economic Development Program grants, which aim to expand access to workforce training services and support for unemployed or underemployed Illinois citizens.