SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to recruit more state troopers, a measure from State Senator Patrick Joyce was signed into law that aims to encourage more military veterans to take the Illinois State Police exam.

“We are working to create a pathway for veterans to transition from military service to law enforcement in Illinois,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These individuals have unique skills and experiences that they could bring to a career in law enforcement.”

The new law states that collegiate requirements to take the Illinois State Police exam are met if a person has been honorably discharged by the United States Armed Forces, or is an active member of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, and has been awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.

The opportunity to take the Illinois Police exam will expand to more current and prior service members, which can help the State Police with recruitment. This will only allow the individuals who qualify to sit for the exam and would not waive any additional requirements to becoming a State Police officer.

“Meeting the collegiate requirements to take the exam can be a challenge for honorably discharged veterans,” said Joyce. “This aims to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by our veterans, and provide them with an opportunity to serve our state in another meaningful way.”

House Bill 2475 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state was signed into law Friday.

“There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to fire education, such as the importance of smoke detectors, having updated escape plans and knowing what to do in case of a fire,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By teaching children at an early age, we can help prevent fire tragedies and ensure children are prepared in case of an emergency.”

This new law will create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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

“Many fires can be prevented with proper education and fire safety awareness,” said Joyce. “Fire prevention tips and hands-on training exercises from certified individuals will go a long way in protecting public safety and preventing future fires in our communities.”

House Bill 2372 was signed Friday and takes effect immediately.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging agencies across the 40^th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“It is important our local parks are getting the attention they need to stay safe and accessible to residents,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The OSLAD program is a great way to invest in these areas to keep them thriving. I encourage local agencies to apply for the program so people can continue to enjoy the outdoors.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

WILMINGTON– State Senator Patrick Joyce, State Representative Anthony DeLuca and Will County Board member Joe Van Duyne announced over $54 million to improve Route 53 over the next six years.  

“One of the most common things I hear in Wilmington is that Route 53 needs to be fixed,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Fixing Route 53 is very important to communities in this area, as it goes right through downtown and people use it to get to work. I will continue to work to bring tax dollars back to our area.”

Villages and municipalities along Route 53, including Gardner, Braceville, Godley, Braidwood, Wilmington and up to Joliet will see $54 million spent over the next six years for improvements.

“It is high time that we make the proper investment to fix these roads,” said State Representative Anthony DeLuca. “We can accomplish so much when state and local government works together to achieve a solution.” 

Some of the most important projects Route 53 will see over the next six years include:

• $1 million to replace Forked Creek Bridge on Kankakee Street in Wilmington next to DC Marine Service
• $4.4 million for designed overlay and repaving from Gardner to the Will County line in Godley
• $40.5 million for upgrades including intersection improvements, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, channelization, construction engineering and utility adjustments  from West Arsenal Road, at the start of Midewin in Wilmington, to Nowell Park in Joliet
• $1 million for repaving from the Island in Wilmington to Wilmington-Peotone Road

“I have been raising the alarm for years that Route 53 needs to be fixed,” said Will County Board member Joe Van Duyne. “This road is dangerous and these projects will keep our community safe and help our local economy.”

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 invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“I couldn't be happier for Wilmington,” said Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz. “For years roads have been a pain point and the progress that we are making is fantastic.  We still have plenty of work to do, but this is a huge win for Wilmington!”

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