CHICAGO HEIGHTS – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“It’s important to take as many steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 as we can,” Joyce said. “There’s no rush to get to a facility, since expiration dates have been extended and services are still available online.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

KANKAKEE – A new law on the books will prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

This new law was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“All kids deserve the chance to learn entrepreneurship from an early age,” Joyce said. “Hayli’s Law is a good step toward making that happen and will allow our young entrepreneurs to dream big without any hurdles.”

Under this measure, the Illinois Department of Public Health, a local health department or public health district cannot regulate the sale of lemonade or nonalcoholic drinks or mixed beverages by a person under age 16. The law also prevents authorities from requiring a permit for children to sell lemonade on private properties or in a public park.

Public Act 102-0078 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

PARK FOREST – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) received the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education on Friday for his support of agricultural education and Future Farmers of America student programs.

“I am humbled to accept this award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education that is strengthening our young agricultural leaders,” Joyce said. “Agriculture is one of our state’s top industries, and that’s why we place a major emphasis on agricultural education in the General Assembly. Agricultural education and programs like FFA have such a positive impact on our young people, and I will always be a supporter of that mission.”

Since 1987, the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award has been presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. According to ILCAE, these legislators understand the importance of the agricultural industry that makes up about a quarter of Illinois’ jobs. They also know the importance of today’s youth understanding the ever-evolving and expanding agricultural industry with the knowledge gained through a current and progressive agricultural education.

The award is named in honor of the late Jim Guilinger, a nationally recognized agricultural education leader and former secretary of the McDonough County Farm Bureau. Guilinger spent 56 years of his life dedicated to agricultural education, constantly seeking out innovative and cutting-edge technology and curriculum for the betterment of his students.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.