Joyce urges local agencies to apply for park development grants

• parks
• IDNR
• OSLAD

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging local governmental agencies to apply for funding through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program following the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ announcement of $54 million in available funds.

“Parks and other recreational spaces play a vital role in our community and promote both physical and mental well-being,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s important for our area park departments to apply for funding opportunities like OSLAD so facilities can be updated regularly and continue to be accessible to residents.”

OSLAD is a matching grant program that offers funding assistance to local governments to acquire and develop land for public parks. OSLAD provides an advance payment of 50% of the grant award amount for approved development projects. Local agencies must demonstrate their ability to finance the remaining project costs before receiving the rest of the grant funds.

Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has become one of the state’s most popular grant programs, awarding over $585 million for park projects across the state. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 32 underserved communities received grants to enhance their local park facilities.

“I encourage eligible agencies to take advantage of this program so our parks can continue to serve not only us, but future generations too,” Joyce added.

The application period closes at 5 p.m. on Sept. 13. For more information, visit IDNR’s website.

Joyce-backed Healthcare Protection Act signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — With the strong support of State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Healthcare Protection Act was signed into law Wednesday. The act is a comprehensive plan tackling major issues in the health insurance industry and received bipartisan support in both chambers.

“There are some much-needed improvements in the health insurance industry, and this new law will make health care more accessible and transparent for all Illinoisans,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These insurance companies are intended to protect patients, but oftentimes processes create more hurdles. I’m proud to support legislation to eliminate many of these barriers to care.”

The Healthcare Protection Act addresses several key areas, including "ghost networks," which occur when networks list providers who are not taking new patients, do not accept the patient’s insurance or are retired. Under the law, insurance companies will be required to update their in-network care directories to improve transparency for consumers. Further, the measure extends the ban on unchecked insurance rate increases to large group plans in Illinois ensuring access to affordable care, and, as of Jan. 1, 2026, will eliminate the process of step therapy where a patient is required to try a lower-cost prescription before receiving the more expensive, originally prescribed drug.

The new law will also improve health care accessibility and eliminate unnecessary barriers by banning prior authorization for mental health treatment and mandating the public disclosure of treatments requiring prior authorization.

“I’m no stranger to the health care system, and like so many others, I know the anxiety and fear that comes with navigating it,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of the bill. “This new law makes real changes, putting patients and their doctors back in charge of their health care. Thank you to my colleagues and the leaders in the health care industry who helped us push this over the finish line.”

House Bill 5395 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Joyce supports business development, job creation in new law

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, a new law signed Wednesday aims to spur job and economic growth by creating new business incentives, and strengthening and expanding existing programs.

“A new Clean Jobs Workforce Hub in Kankakee will allow us to continue our work in clean energy while ensuring we have a workforce equipped to handle it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m excited for a workforce hub to open in our district and provide training programs that can later translate to successful careers, all while uplifting our economy.”

House Bill 5005 is an economic growth package that includes the creation of a Clean Jobs Workforce Hub site in Kankakee — the 14th workforce hub in the state. Joyce fought to secure the additional hub for the region. Kankakee Community College will serve as the community-based organization housing the new hub.

Read more: Joyce supports business development, job creation in new law

Joyce votes no on Fiscal Year 2025 budget

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement:

“The budget has a lot of great aspects, and many of the issues that are important to the 40^th District were addressed this year, but ultimately I could not support it.

“There were several spending issues I advocated to change that would have reduced the need for additional revenues. I would like to see continued efforts to reduce long-term debt and increases in funding for line items that would help local communities reduce property taxes and cost of living expenses. These are things we owe to middle class, hardworking Illinoisans.

“While I recognize and appreciate the efforts of my colleagues to address our state’s issues, I cannot in good conscious support a financial plan I believe falls short of adequately addressing the needs of our residents.”