KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing a $16,000 grant to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to the area.

“Programs like the Illinois Travel and Tourism grants  will continue to help the 40^th District develop new tourist experiences and enhance existing facilities and activities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Tourism sites and attractions have the opportunity to bring economic growth to the area, which is beneficial for all involved.”

Through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program, a total of $2.9 million is being awarded to 51 grantees to support local tourism promotional efforts. This program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments, municipalities, non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois' Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus, with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois.

The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau is set to receive a $16,527 grant from the program, which is funded by a federal Economic Development Administration grant.

“This grant will help maximize the distribution of our 2023 Visitor Guide. The design, production and distribution of the guide is imperative to the growth of overnight visitors and, in turn, economic growth in Kankakee County,” said Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee. “Our all-inclusive guide spans 22 communities and we diligently work to include all visitor-centric destinations, overnight accommodations, outdoor and indoor activities and experiences, museums, architecture, theatrical and musical performances and events, festivals, restaurants, breweries, wine bars, boutiques, antique shops, and everything in between that makes Kankakee County unique.”

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here.

KANKAKEE- Residents in need across the district State Senator Patrick Joyce represents now have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for necessary home improvement projects.

“This assistance is given at no cost to homeowners in need of critical repairs to make their homes safe and accessible,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is a great investment in underserved communities and will help people stay in their homes and communities.”

The Home Repair and Accessibility Programs designed to support health, safety, accessibility and energy efficient repairs to qualifying households. HRAP will provide $15.3 million in funds across the state to cover these necessary repairs through five-year, forgivable loans. The funding is designed to serve underfunded communities and ensure residents are able to stay in their homes.

Areas in the 40^th District that will receive funding include:

• Chicago Heights - $400,000
• Kankakee - $500,000
• Park Forest - $400,000

“There are people who need repairs or additions to their homes such as ramps, new roofs, or updates to plumbing and electrical issues, but cost can be an issue,” said Joyce. “Everyone should have access to the help they need to stay in their community.”

Contact information for each organization is available on IHDA’s website at https://www.ihda.org/my-community/revitalization-programs/.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure out of committee today that would allow for an easier way to obtain a hunting, fishing, trapping and sportsmen license.

“We are working to provide a practical solution for avid hunters, anglers and trappers in the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s a win-win for everyone — making it easier for people to enjoy these hobbies while supporting our state’s conservation efforts.”

House Bill 3677 would allow Illinois residents to obtain a three-year fishing, hunting, sportsmen’s combination or trapping license at three times the cost of an annual one.

Under current law, people have to renew their license for these activities every year. This legislation aims to make the process easier for individuals by allowing them to renew the licenses after three years.

“Many times, people forget to renew their licenses for these activities year after year,” said Joyce. “By switching to three-year license options, we will save people the hassle of renewing them every year while also helping generate more revenue at a time for the state’s conservation efforts.”

House Bill 3677 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and now waits for further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect the beaver population and regulate the activities of nuisance wildlife operators, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a measure out of the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday.

“Some people don’t realize that beavers provide benefits to humans, such as improved water quality and flood control,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s important we protect these animals and trap them correctly without destroying their homes.”

House Bill 2461 would make it unlawful to destroy or disturb dams, lodges, burrows or feed beds of beavers while trapping them. Additionally, the bill requires that anyone who acts as a nuisance wildlife control operator for a fee must obtain a permit.

This legislation will help ensure that the beaver population can thrive and continue to provide important benefits to our environment, as well as ensuring that only qualified and responsible operators are performing correct trapping services.

“Wildlife operators provide an important service by removing unwanted animals from homes and other properties,” said Joyce. “This measure aims to help the beaver population, but also to make sure operators are engaging in ethical practices and only removing wildlife as necessary.”

House Bill 2461 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and now heads to be heard before the full Senate.