KANKAKEE – To provide resources to libraries through books, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs, State Senator Patrick Joyce announced five school districts in Kankakee County will receive more than $9,000 in funding.

“Well-equipped and updated libraries have shown to positively impact students’ performances while in school,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “When we are able to invest in the local libraries our students frequent, we are investing in the future of the students as well.”

Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Joyce’s district received a total of $9,315:

• Kankakee School District 111 - $3,426
• Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 - $1,897
• Herscher Community Unit School District 2 - $1,389
• Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307 - $1,584
• Bradley Elementary School District 61 - $1,019

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

“School and learning can be more exciting when students have access to areas, like libraries, that have resources available to help them succeed,” said Joyce. “With this funding, we are able to help our local school libraries stay stocked with books and provide updated technologies that will greatly benefit students in the long run.”

For a full list of libraries that received funding, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

UNIVERSITY PARK – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, Governors State University will receive $129,169 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“College students should be focused on their school work, not wondering where they will sleep that night,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m hopeful that with this funding, Governors State will be able to look into the concerns that have surfaced around student homelessness and be able to put a plan into effect.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. Governors State University is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The grants were awarded by a competitive application process, based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation. The investment to Governors State University is just one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students.

“When students are lacking essential needs or struggling with housing issues, it creates a major burden on top of their coursework and can result in poor performance,” said Joyce. “These students deserve a secure and supportive environment that allows them to thrive academically, and this funding aims to make that happen.”

For more information on the End Student Housing Insecurity grants, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Jan. 1, there will be an easier process to obtain a hunting, fishing, trapping and sportsmen’s license, thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are many people who participate in these activities in our state, but it’s common that some forget to renew their licenses every year,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By changing the expiration date on licenses from one year to three, it allows people to enjoy these activities without having to question if they renewed their license for the year.”

The new law allows Illinois residents to obtain a three-year fishing, hunting, sportsmen’s combination or trapping license at three times the cost of an annual one.

“This is a common-sense change that is guaranteed to save hunters, anglers and trappers time while supporting our state’s conservations efforts,” said Joyce.

House Bill 3677 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Patrick Joyce to help solve Illinois’ firefighter shortage will go into effect Jan. 1.

“Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, are essential first responders, and we cannot afford to continue to see declining numbers in these positions,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This law is a step in the right direction to help tackle the shortage we have seen for almost a decade.”

The new law creates the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act, which allows state employees leave from their job to attend firefighter training.

Fire departments across the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. Along with Senate Bill 1611 to help combat this issue, Joyce also sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 7, which created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force to identify solutions to the shortage of eligible applicants for the positions.

“Not everyone can easily take the time off they need to complete the training courses to become a volunteer firefighter,” said Joyce. “I’m hopeful this law will encourage more people to complete the training so we can begin to see more recruits and help communities feel safe.”

Senate Bill 1611 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.