CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Construction and building trades will be expanded in the Chicago Heights area thanks to a $400,000 investment secured by State Senator Patrick Joyce for Bethel Family Resource Center.

“By expanding the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship programs, more jobs and opportunities will be accessible to our community,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “When we support apprenticeships and trades careers, we are able to open doors for people, grow our communities and fill jobs that are in high demand.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment.

A total of $13 million for the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. With the support of Joyce, Bethel Family Resource Center in Chicago Heights will see a $400,000 investment to continue providing these services to individuals.

“Right now, investing in apprenticeship programs and the trades industry is what communities need, especially in underserved areas,” said Joyce. “These are the kinds of investments that will bring long-term employment and benefits to folks while providing life-changing experiences for them and their families.”

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications to prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce will serve as chair of the Senate State Government Committee in the 103^rd General Assembly.

“Our communities are the backbones of our great state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “From city halls to football fields to village boards, these are where local people meet and local decisions are made. I hope to use this role to be a voice on their behalf in Springfield.”

In this new role, Joyce plans to reach across party lines to pass legislation for local communities and draw on his experiences as a farmer and small business owner to make common sense decisions on legislation.

“I think what’s been missing in Springfield is the perspective from working families,” Joyce said. “I look forward to bringing a healthy dose of reality on behalf of those fine folks as the chair of the Senate State Government Committee.”

Joyce previously served as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and will continue serving on that committee in the role as vice chair.

To see a full list of Joyce’s committee assignments, click here.

KANKAKEE – With the support of State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced River Valley Metro Mass Transit will receive over $2 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“It is important to stay on top of updates to our community’s transit systems,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This funding ensures our transit districts are getting necessary improvements by providing growth in our infrastructure.”

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provide $113.8 million for downstate transit providers. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The River Valley Metro Mass Transit District will receive $2,080,000 to implement bus lifts and upgrade existing lifts in their transit system. Specifically, the money will aid in helping to secure a service vehicle and maintenance equipment to help keep its buses in safe and mechanically sound condition.

 “We appreciate the support that Senator Joyce has shown for Public Transportation,” said Siron Sims, CEO of River Valley Transit District. “He clearly understands the need for this service and its positive effect on the lives of thousands of people in our community.”

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

KANKAKEE – January is Radon Action Month and State Senator Patrick Joyce is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and encouraging people to test their homes for the harmful gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more.

“Illinois has shown to have high levels of radon, making it more common for people to be exposed to,” said Joyce (D-Essex).  “Higher levels of radon can lead to major health issues, which is why it is important to test your homes.”

It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois, with higher levels being in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the American Lung Association in Illinois are hosting two statewide contests that urge students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. High school students are invited to submit a 30-second commercial style video, and middle school students can design a poster to urge residents to test their homes for radon. For more information and to enter, click here.

“Due to radon being undetectable from human senses, the only way to know if radon is present is by testing the air,” said Joyce. “We are asking young people to get involved by using their creativity to raise awareness and urge families to test their homes for this harmful element.”

For more information about radon, visit www.radon.illinois.gov.