KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

MANTENO – As Veterans Day approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is asking residents to write friendly, encouraging letters in an effort to thank our heroes in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave American men and women who have served our country,” Joyce said. “Join me in writing letters to our veterans so we can show our appreciation to all of them.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veteran’ home in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The effort was first launched in 2020 ahead of Veterans Day in November. The letter-writing campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Senator Joyce represents Manteno, which provides care for up to 294 skilled care and special needs veterans.

“Let’s show our support for our veterans and send these heroes letters to thank them for their service,” Joyce said.

To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here, if someone would rather send a physical letter.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) sponsored a resolution to recognize Oct. 28 as First Responders Day in Illinois.

This designated day recognizes and remembers the first responders lost and extends gratitude to all first responders for continuously putting their lives on the line for the citizens of Illinois.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” Joyce said. “That’s why we have dedicated this day as a way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable emergency workers in our communities.”

This idea was brought to Joyce by a 911 dispatcher in Kankakee County and led to Senate Resolution 534. This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.
 
Joyce urges residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.

Find full floor remarks below.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) congratulated local businesses struggling from the pandemic that were awarded grants from the latest round of the Back to Business program awards.

“Small businesses play an important role in our communities by investing in our economy, employing our friends and neighbors and supporting local events,” Joyce said. “I’m thrilled to see the B2B grants going toward our local businesses that desperately need help to get back on their feet.”

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Each business received between $5,000 to $150,000 to be used to cover a wide range of operations such as staff and overhead costs.

17 businesses in the district Joyce represents received a combined $640,000 through the program. Businesses include restaurants, bars, child care facilities and retailers, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

“These funds will give business owners a sigh of relief during these difficult times and allow them to return to operation,” Joyce said. “Now, it’s up to us to support our small business community so they can continue to keep their doors open.” 

For a complete list of grant recipients, click here.