CHICAGO HEIGHTS – The Illinois EPA announced a combined $130,000 is coming to three communities in the 40^th District to help them identify service lines that may contain lead.

“Safe, clean drinking water is a resource that all people should have access to,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Lead present in drinking water has shown to be very harmful to people’s health, and with this funding, our communities will be able to ensure families won’t face this problem alone.” 

Senator Joyce voted for the legislation creating the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act in 2021. The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement.

The three communities in Joyce’s district who have received Lead Service Line Inventory Grants are Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights and Steger.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with an estimated 730,000 to 1.4 million lead service lines in the ground. There is no safe level of exposure to lead.  

“This funding will provide many communities with the necessary funding to develop a complete inventory identifying the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supplies,” said Illinois EPA Director John Kim.

To see a full list of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grants, click here.

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.