SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce passed the Senate Wednesday that would keep a law on the books to hold repeat gun offenders accountable.

“This is an extension of a law that has been in the books since 2018 to help crack down on gun violence in the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The extension will continue to hold repeat gun offenders accountable for their actions.”

House Bill 1440 would extend sentencing for individuals with prior felony firearm related offenses through 2025.

The original measure – which has been in place since 2017 and was set to end this year – was first passed in an effort to keep communities safe from reoccurring gun violence.

“While we look further into the law, our state’s attorneys and judges should have it at their disposal,” said Joyce “What we should be focusing on is the potential impact this could have on public safety and our justice system. We want to keep our residents and communities safe.”

House Bill 1440 passed the Senate Wednesday afternoon.

KANKAKEE – Two schools in the 40^th District are set to receive funding to strengthen mental health services for youth, thanks to support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“Many children have struggled with their mental health in recent years,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “As legislators, it is important we are providing the help and support that children need.”

The funding is being offered to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced that the Bourbonnais Township Park District will receive a total of $200,000 in funding for the Perry Farm Multi-Use Trail Extension.

“One of my favorite things to do is to spend time outdoors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Anytime we are able to secure funding for improvements of outdoor recreation, I’m all in. I cannot wait to see the new developments for this trail!”

The funding is from the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, administrated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All funds for the program come from a percentage of motor vehicle title fees, providing a maximum grant award of $200,000 per project for development projects, with no maximum grant award limit for land acquisition projects.

The Bourbonnais Park District will allocate this funding to provide a safe trail connection to the many businesses and attractions of West Bradley and South Bourbonnais, improve non-motorized traffic safety, and encourage more and safer bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the area.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – To provide local seniors with information and different resources available to them, State Senator Patrick Joyce is hosting a Senior Citizen Resource Fair on Oct. 17 in Chicago Heights.

“More times than not, our senior population is unaware of the resources that are available to them,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This event will be a time for seniors to engage with different community providers and learn about all the organizations and services they can benefit from.”

The Senior Citizen Resource Fair will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Prairie State College Conference Center, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. There will be organizations and community providers to inform residents on resources available to them in the area.

Residents with questions can reach out to Joyce’s district office at 708-756-0882.