SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a proposal that would address the rise in synthetic opioids, along with other synthetic drugs.

“Overdoses in the 40^th District are on the rise – and we need to crackdown on the spread of Xylazine before more lives are lost,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This legislation has taken years’ worth of work – and I am proud to have played a role in its passage.”

Joyce is co-sponsoring the proposal, brought by the Illinois State Police, in response to the steep increase in Xylazine-related drug overdoses reported in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Xylazine-related overdose deaths increased from two reported deaths in 2018, to 45 in 2020 and 155 deaths in 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce secured more than $21,000 in grants to provide resources for twelve public school libraries in the 40^th District.

“In this new age of technology, we cannot forget about our school libraries,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “School libraries are the birthplace of strong reading habits, research skills and student achievement.”

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce secured over $2 million to further expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program into Kankakee and Cook County.

“You may not fully realize it, but trades are what make our communities run smoothly,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Think about electricians, plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians. These are essential skilled services that communities rely on every single day.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Joyce’s district, Rincon Family Services – in Kankakee – will receive $1,650,000. Bethel Family Resource Center – in Chicago Heights – will receive $484,000. Both family resource centers work to support pre-apprenticeship students and strengthen their communities.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement:

“When looking at the governor’s proposed budget, we need to focus on what really matters: the middle class and prioritizing not raising taxes. Our communities have sent us a clear message: we need to limit government spending and ease the burden on hard working families.”

“I understand this is only the beginning of budget negotiations and I plan to do right by the people of Illinois by working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to get our priorities back on track.”