SPRINGFIELD – A measure introduced by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to increase Illinois’ ability to capture federal funding for broadband under the federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act was signed into law on Tuesday.

“Bringing access to internet to every citizen in Illinois is crucial,” Joyce said. “This initiative helps Illinois capture up to $1.6 billion in federal dollars to expand broadband services.”

The intent of this legislation is to bring more legislative oversight and allow for public input on where best to allocate broadband funding. Joyce put forth the proposal earlier in session, which was then put in the final BIMP bill.

“Striking a balance in closing the digital divide between both unserved and underserved areas will give our children access to more opportunities and put them on a path for success,” Joyce said.

House Bill 4700 is effective immediately.

SOUTH WILMINGTON – The South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department will receive $26,000 in state funding for new equipment, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Thursday.

“Local fire departments are often times underfunded and have to raise money on their own,” Joyce said. “These grants will help South Wilmington purchase lifesaving equipment, so they can better respond to emergencies in our community.” 

South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $26,000 through the Small Equipment Grant Program.  

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded the grant to give Illinois first responders the opportunity to replace or upgrade aging equipment they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

“We are using the small equipment grant funds for three portable radios which enhance our line of communication with dispatch and other agencies,” said South Wilmington Fire Chief Monti Serena.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded a total of $2.5 million to 104 fire departments, districts and EMS providers across the state.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) passed a measure in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday that incentivizes the use of biodiesel.

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

Under current law, diesel blends of over 10% biodiesel (B11) are exempt from all sales taxes until Dec. 31, 2023. Joyce passed Senate Bill 1146, which would exempt proceeds of sales of biodiesel and renewable diesel from sales tax.

This legislation increases the threshold that biodiesel blend levels need to be above in order to qualify for the incentive to B20 by April 1, 2026. The qualifying blend levels will gradually increase to B14 in 2024 and B17 in 2025 before reaching B20 in 2026.

“This legislation will not only help Illinois fight the effects of climate change, but also support the over 43,000 soybean producers of our great state,” said Steve Pitstick, Chairperson of the Illinois Soybean Association.

Senate Bill 1146 passed the full Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) advanced a measure on Thursday to potentially save the Illinois Commerce Commission thousands of dollars, on a cost typically passed on to ratepayers.

“This is common sense legislation that will save money,” said Joyce. “I will continue to find ways to reduce government spending.” 

Under current law, the Illinois Commerce Commission is required to notify landowners via registered mail when a utility has applied for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct a high voltage electric service line across the landowner's property. Registered mail costs start at $13.75.

This legislation requires the ICC to provide a landowner notice via certified mail, rather than registered mail, of a utility's plan to construct a high voltage electric service line across their property. The cost of certified mail starts at $3.75.

“Certified mail is a commonly accepted practice to provide notice in the business world, and I don’t see any good reason why we wouldn’t make this change.” 

HB 4383 advanced through Senate Energy and Public Utilities and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.