Joyce law protects farms from nuisance deer starting Jan 1.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois farmers have lost thousands of dollars’ worth of crops due to nuisance deer without the proper means to deal with them effectively. That will change come Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce giving farmers the ability to protect their crops before they are damaged.

“As a farmer, I’ve seen firsthand the damage nuisance deer can have on crop yields,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This law will take a huge weight off of farmers across the entire state.”

Read more: Joyce law protects farms from nuisance deer starting Jan 1.

Joyce announces annual holiday card drive for seniors

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is continuing his annual holiday card drive to spread cheer this holiday season for residents at local long-term care facilities.

“The holiday season is a time to spread love and warmth, but some older folks may be feeling forgotten,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Making these cards only takes a few minutes, and it can completely turn around someone’s mood for the holidays.”

Joyce is encouraging residents of the 40^th District to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also encouraged to participate.

Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Dec. 15 to Joyce’s office at 179 S. Wall St. Kankakee, IL 60901. For in-person card deliveries, schedule an appointment with Joyce’s office by calling 708-756-0882 for drop off times and information.

Joyce-led proposal to save the Illinois horse racing industry passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To give a boost to the horse racing industry and Illinois’ economy, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill in the Senate that would, among multiple other items, allow for the development of new horse racing tracks in Illinois.

“Illinois used to be a powerhouse in horse racing and horse breeding,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are trying to advance the ball on an industry that employs thousands.”

House Bill 2724 would allow for the construction of a new harness track in Macon County. The bill would also set a deadline for the development of an additional harness race track and horse racetrack casino, or racino, in Cook County’s south suburbs.

Read more: Joyce-led proposal to save the Illinois horse racing industry passes Senate

Joyce calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"If November comes and a solution isn’t brought to the table, there will be a lot of pain in the 40^th," said Joyce (D-Essex). "I have families in every corner of my district, both urban and rural, Republican and Democrat, who depend on these benefits to put food on the table."

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 39,131 people in the district Joyce represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Read more: Joyce calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown