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.”

KANKAKEE – Kankakee County will receive more than $635,000 in construction funding over the next three years, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced.

“Transportation infrastructure is crucial to our community’s economic growth and quality of life,” Joyce said. “This funding from the Rebuild Illinois program will allow our community to address some much-needed infrastructure improvements throughout Kankakee County.” 

Rebuild Illinois has allocated $1.5 billion in funding specifically for municipal- and county-level projects. Infrastructure investments improve safety, quality of life and the economy, which contributes to the revitalization of communities across the state.

“These vital infrastructure investments have a significant impact on the health and well-being of a community,” Joyce said. “This investment will ensure Kankakee County’s infrastructure remains in good shape.” 

Projects are selected and managed locally in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation, and may include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

A complete list of local agencies and awards can be viewed here.

PARK FOREST – The Indigo Nation Homeschool Association in Park Forest has been selected to receive a grant to help students go on field trips to learn more about biodiversity in Illinois, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) extends his congratulations. 

“This grant program is a tremendous opportunity for kids to get excited about science,” Joyce said. “We have great natural resources in this state and I’m glad to see the Indigo Nation Homeschool Association will be receiving a grant.”

This year, the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program awarded 37 field trip grants totaling $34,000 across the state. This program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to take students on a field trip to study Illinois’ natural resources. As a result of the program, more than 2,000 students will visit state parks, museums and other natural resource locations in the coming school year to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

The program began in 2001 and has awarded over $1.3 million to nearly 120,000 students. More information about the grant program is available from the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. A full list of this year’s grant recipients can be found on IDNR’s website.