PEMBROKE – Residents of Pembroke Township could heat their homes more cleanly and efficiently under legislation from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). The measure, which would help bring a natural gas pipeline to the area, cleared the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Thursday.

This legislation would create the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The program would distribute grants for the construction of new natural gas pipelines and infrastructure in Pembroke Township.

“No natural gas pipeline serves Pembroke Township, which forces 2,100 residents to rely on propane, wood-burning stoves and electric space heaters,” Joyce said. “Not only would this pipeline make residents’ lives easier, but the installation would also help bring new jobs to Pembroke.”

At a December 2019 meeting, Nicor officials identified 400 homes and 22 businesses in the village for service in the project, estimated to cost $8 million. While residents would be able to opt in or out of service, Joyce secured $1 million in state funding last year that will cover residents’ costs if they choose to convert their homes to natural gas service.

“The effort to bring natural gas to Pembroke dates back a couple of decades,” Joyce said. “I’m thrilled to be the sponsor of this transformative legislation.”

Senate Bill 2393 moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is announcing that school districts will receive an estimated $118,495,646 in additional funding to help address the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Education during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely difficult for parents, teachers and students,” Joyce said. “I commend everyone for their hard work this past year to keep kids engaged during this chaotic new normal. I’m confident this new funding will help our students and schools move forward.”

The funding comes as part of the two most recent federal COVID-19 relief packages. Schools, students and parents have overcome challenges that no one could have imagined before the pandemic began, including remote and hybrid learning, digital connection issues, new processes for receiving state and federal aid that normally flow through schools, and more.

The majority of the funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, which gives local schools a great deal of flexibility in how they can use the money over the next 3 ½ years. At least 20% of the funding must be used to address learning loss, but beyond that, school districts can use the money to address many different issues and costs. For example, it can be used to better equip schools for safe learning, to prevent layoffs, to address students’ social and emotional needs, to fund summer programs, or to ensure all students have access to reliable Wi-Fi and technology.

PARK FOREST – To raise awareness of the risk and tragic consequences of being entrapped or engulfed in a grain bin, Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining the Illinois Department of Labor and farm safety experts during Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week.

“This week brings industry professionals to the table to discuss how small changes can prevent dangerous hazards while working in or around a grain bin,” Joyce said. “Grain bin entrapments can happen quickly. The more we can do to educate farmworkers, the more tragedies we can prevent.”

While workers should avoid entering grain bins if possible, safety measures can greatly diminish the risk if they must enter. To help farmers and grain workers become familiar with these risk-reducing practices, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is partnering with grain industry leaders to host a week of free, virtual educational events for anyone who handles grain.

Starting at 10 a.m. each morning from March 29 to April 2, farmers and grain workers are invited to participate in virtual safety training programs designed to save lives. Registration for these free daily training sessions can be found here. 

KANKAKEE – In honor of National Agriculture Week, Senate Agriculture Chairman Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is celebrating the hard work and dedication of local farmers and agricultural workers.

“Agriculture is Illinois’ number-one industry and provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis,” said Joyce, a fourth-generation farmer. “This week is a tremendous opportunity to educate consumers and remind folks just how important the industry is.” 

Joyce praised the farmers and ranchers who worked overtime to make sure they were able to put food on Illinois families’ tables during the pandemic. In addition, Joyce recognized the dedicated animals that work alongside farmers every day and help them with daily tasks, such as plowing the field, transporting food and cultivating the soil. 

To celebrate National Agriculture Week, Joyce encourages people to show gratitude to farmers by supporting local farmers markets or making charitable donations to area farms.

“We can never take for granted the work our agriculture producers do,” Joyce said. “Join me in celebrating our agriculture community and all the contributions they make to our communities.”