SPRINGFIELD – State employees will now be able to take time off for firefighter training thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are many communities in the state that rely on volunteer firefighters,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If we continue to see a shortage in the number of volunteer firefighters, we are leaving these communities extremely vulnerable and without the immediate assistance they need.”

Fire departments across the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. The new law aims to combat these shortages to give people the opportunity to undergo firefighter training courses by creating the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. This will allow state employees to take a leave from their job to attend firefighter training.

“Low numbers of volunteers are posing a major threat to public safety, especially in small towns and rural areas,” said Joyce. “This is a small step in the right direction in our efforts to recruit more volunteer firefighters and making sure all communities in Illinois are protected.”

Senate Bill 1611 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

KANKAKEE – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce is hosting a Summer Book Club.

“Summer break is a chance for students to have fun, but it’s still important to read during this time, too,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m encouraging students to participate in my Summer Book Club this year so they can continue to build their reading skills for the upcoming school year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Senator Joyce’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a certificate from Senator Joyce and will be invited to a pizza party hosted by the senator.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com or at any public library located in the 40^th District. Residents with questions can reach out to Joyce’s office at (708) 756-0882.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed a revenue package Wednesday containing a number of tax credits and exemptions. State Senator Patrick Joyce secured a major boost for the corn industry in Illinois by increasing the level of ethanol in fuel in order to be eligible for a fuel sales tax exemption.

“When the demand for ethanol based fuel goes up, we see the demand for Illinois corn rise as well,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This new tax structure will not only help farmers, but it’s also better for our environment.”

The tax exemption provides that the sales tax only apply to 90% of the proceeds of sales of gasohol, 80% of the proceeds of sales of mid-range ethanol blends and none of the proceeds of sales of majority blended ethanol fuel. The new tax structure will incentive the production of e15-e85 fuel blends.

“This is just a win-win situation for our state,” said Joyce. “It helps farmers by increasing corn demand and supports our environment by incentivizing the usage of cleaner-burning fuels.”

Senate Bill 1963 passed both chambers with bipartisan support and heads to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Kankakee will now be the latest community to be a part of the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program, thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce’s leadership to get Senate Bill 1963 over the finish line.

“When I was growing up, downtown Kankakee was a vibrant area full of small businesses and things to do,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By adding Kankakee to the list of towns eligible to be in the River Edge Redevelopment Zone, investors and small business owners alike will have tax incentives to invest in the downtown area. This action aims to bring back businesses and give old river communities another chance for development.”  

The River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program helps revive and redevelop environmentally challenged properties adjacent to rivers in Illinois. Currently, the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act authorizes the Illinois Department of Commerce to designate zones in five cities: Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford. This new legislation will add Kankakee and Joliet to the list of authorized municipalities in the zones.

Cities in the River Edge Redevelopment Zone are eligible for the Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which provides a state income-tax credit equal to 25% of a project’s qualified expenditures to owners of certified historic structures.

“We all want the same thing for downtown Kankakee: a thriving downtown with vision for the future,” said Joyce. “This action will help the city with its short- and long-term development goals.”

To learn more about the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program, click here.