KANKAKEE – May 7-13 is Arson Awareness Week with this year’s theme focusing on understanding and mitigating youth firesetting issues. Specifically this week, State Senator Patrick Joyce is emphasizing the importance of fire education for children.

“Fire education can save lives and prevent accidental fires from occurring,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “Our youth need to be aware of what to do in emergency situations like this, and House Bill 2372 would provide a valuable opportunity to guide and support children towards making responsible and life-saving decisions.”

Joyce sponsored House Bill 2372 this year, which would create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal. House Bill 2372 passed the Senate last week and is now awaiting concurrence in the House.

BRADLEY – State Senator Patrick announced the start of improvements to the intersection of Illinois 50 and Armour Road, a project that will reduce congestion and enhance safety while promoting economic development and job growth.

“This project shows major collaboration from government officials, business leaders and community members who all recognize the importance of investing in our infrastructure,” said Joyce (D-Essex).  "By adjoining this project on Route 50 to another just to the south with Bradley's Main Street initiative, we are opening up new opportunities for growth and development. I want to thank Governor Pritzker for supporting this investment in the region and for allocating additional funds when bids came in higher than anticipated due to post-pandemic price increases.”

The Illinois 50-Armour Road project is just one of many road and bridge improvements in the region made possible by Rebuild Illinois. The project consists of widening and resurfacing the intersection of Illinois 50 and Armour Road with additional dedicated turn lanes. Improvements also include new storm sewers, an updated biking and walking path, sidewalks, new curbs and gutters, improved lighting, modernized traffic signals, and landscaping.

The project will also improve access to CSL Behring in Bradley, Kankakee County’s largest employer.

“These intersection improvements once again show how Rebuild Illinois is addressing transportation needs at the local level and helping communities grow and succeed,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The new, improved Illinois 50 and Armour Road is an investment in safety and quality of life. It also is part of an ongoing commitment by IDOT under Gov. Pritzker to rebuild our infrastructure as a means to attract and retain jobs.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state passed the Senate Thursday.

“Many accidental fires can be prevented, which is why it’s important our youth have knowledge about fire prevention,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “With proper education from experts, we can provide children the tools they need to make responsible decisions.”

Joyce’s legislation would create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

These positions would help local authorities stress the importance of fire safety. They would conduct firesetter interventions and would work closely with families, schools and other organizations to provide education, support and guidance to children.

”Fire education can save lives, so it’s crucial children know what to do in emergency situations,” said Joyce. “By providing targeted intervention and prevention strategies, we can help protect public safety and prevent future incidents of firesetting behavior in our communities.”

House Bill 2372 passed the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a resolution Wednesday that declares May 3 as Bacon Day in Illinois.

“I’m very excited about Bacon Day – I’m a farmer and a big supporter of our pork producers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We’re proud to celebrate Bacon Day and to recognize the impact of the pork industry in Illinois.”

This measure is backed by the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Illinois falls fourth in ranks for pork production in the United States and contributes over $13.8 billion to Illinois’ economy.

National Bacon Day is Dec. 30 and International Bacon Day is Sept. 2.

“The hardworking hog farmers who raise this high-quality product deserves our support,” said State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), who introduced the Resolution. “Whether it’s plain or applewood-smoked, whether store-bought or artisan-made, bacon is a meat for any meal.”

This measure passed the Senate Wednesday.