International Snowmobile Safety Week is Jan. 15-23

HERSCHER – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) echoes calls from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to remind snowmobilers to stay safe this winter.

“Enjoy the trails when the snow finally falls, but make sure to stay safe when riding your snowmobile,” Joyce said. “Stay safe on your snowmobile this winter and remember that you have a family back home. Accidents are preventable if we all follow the rules.”

Here are some basic safety tips for snowmobilers of all experience:

• Know your equipment, and double check that all of your equipment is in working order.
• Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities; avoid thin ice.
• Know the weather forecast.
• Travel at a reasonable rate of speed for visibility and conditions.
• Always use the buddy system and never ride alone or unaccompanied.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Bethel Family Resource Center is set to receive $400,000 in funding for pre-apprenticeship programs in the trades, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Tuesday.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs play a vital role in our skilled labor force,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide opportunities for individuals looking to start a career in the trades.” 

A total of $9.6 million awarded to 23 organizations will help support pre-apprenticeship training programs across the state. This funding will increase the talent pool of candidates from all backgrounds.

Bethel Family Resource Center has served the Chicago Heights community for over 40 years. They provide more than 15 programs that develop economic and educational opportunities for local residents and families. More information about what the community center offers is available here.

The funding comes from the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act as part of Rebuild Illinois, which provides Illinois residents access to jobs created by state capital projects. Pre-apprenticeship programs offer a structured pathway to help graduates transition to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades.

“Apprentice programs are extremely competitive,” Joyce said. “Investment that directly provides more access into these programs is a step in the right direction.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website for more information about these programs.

PARK FOREST – To commemorate the achievements and contributions of older adults, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is asking residents to submit their nominations to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.

“We all have an older family member, friend or neighbor that helps make our community a better place,” Joyce said. “Their selfless acts deserve recognition, and that’s why I’m asking you to take some time to submit a nomination to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.”

The Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates — one from each category — are inducted.
 
Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Nominations for 2022 inductees must be submitted by June 1. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/HallofFame.

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support the Illinois agriculture industry took effect Jan. 1, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a fourth-generation farmer, is excited to see the positive change that will come from this new legislation.

“Agriculture is a vital industry across Illinois,” Joyce said. “I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues this past spring on issues that help our agriculture industry thrive.” 

Legislation that took effect in the new year includes:

• SB 1245: Starting this year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is required to announce, via a statewide news release, the dates, shooting hours, sites and counties that are open for deer hunting between Sept. 1 and Feb. 15.
• SB 1624: Under this law, agricultural sciences and agricultural education to count as requirements for university admission.

“My colleagues and I were able to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries to implement these new laws,” Joyce said. “I look forward to seeing what we will be able to accomplish in the upcoming spring session.” 

To view a full list of new laws that took effect Jan. 1, visit the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus website.