SPRINGFIELD –To celebrate Career and Technical Education students across the state, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is leading the charge to establish February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month.

“Career and Technical Education programs not only provide quality education, but also offer real-world work experience that is invaluable to students,” said Joyce, a chief co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 698. “They play a vital role in setting their students up for success in and out of the classroom, and should be celebrated for their innovative approaches to teaching.”

Career and Technical Education, or CTE, are programs designed to prepare students for careers in major industries, such as finance, health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and education. Coursework includes both academic and technical materials, allowing many students to use their knowledge from the programs to earn industry-recognized credentials or college credits. This makes careers in these fields much more accessible for many students who may struggle to complete coursework in traditional academic programs.

UNIVERSITY PARK – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released a grant of more than $600,000 to Riegel Farm for infrastructure improvements, thanks to the efforts of Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

“Riegel Farm is an untapped resource in the heart of University Park,” Joyce said. “This investment will provide recreation and education to area residents as well as visitors, which will benefit our community for years to come. I look forward to seeing this project develop in the months ahead.”

The Reigel Farm Revitalization Project offers a truly unique educational and recreational opportunity. This once active farm offers access to softball fields, tennis courts and historic farm buildings, which once served as the home of University Park’s Parks and Recreation Department.

This department previously ran an educational petting zoo and educated area residents about historic farming practices. The community has long since desired the reactivation of this truly one-of-a-kind resource.

Bertino-Tarrant and Joyce fought for funds after several community leaders, including Sonia Jenkins, and Mary Truss brought the need for this project to their attention.

“When I first visited Reigel Farms, I knew instantly why the ladies in the community had such a passion for the property,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Their vision and enthusiasm made it a must for me to work with Sen. Joyce on this important revitalization for their community.”

KANKAKEE – In an effort to restore downtown Kankakee and boost economic growth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) introduced new legislation that would support investment in the City of Kankakee.

Joyce’s proposal – Senate Bill 3048 – would create a River Edge Redevelopment Zone in the City of Kankakee to receive the River Edge Tax Credit, designed to help older river communities redevelop properties.

“This legislation encourages investment in our community and offers a second chance to parts of our city that have become neglected over the years,” Joyce said. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax credit will promote economic development and stimulate jobs that will help revitalize downtown Kankakee.”

PARK FOREST – Sixty-two additional small businesses in the 40th Senate District were awarded $1.9 million in pandemic-related aid thanks to support from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). 

“Illinois is fighting to keep small businesses operating,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to see our local restaurants, salons, fitness centers and other organizations in our community get a financial boost.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Joyce – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

The latest B2B announcement awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses ranged from coffee shops to art studios and more.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our community and our community is seeing firsthand how the Back to Business grant program can help keep their doors open,” Joyce said. 

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.