Joyce law to help address firefighter shortage beginning next year

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Patrick Joyce to help solve Illinois’ firefighter shortage will go into effect Jan. 1.

“Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, are essential first responders, and we cannot afford to continue to see declining numbers in these positions,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This law is a step in the right direction to help tackle the shortage we have seen for almost a decade.”

The new law creates the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act, which allows state employees leave from their job to attend firefighter training.

Fire departments across the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. Along with Senate Bill 1611 to help combat this issue, Joyce also sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 7, which created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force to identify solutions to the shortage of eligible applicants for the positions.

“Not everyone can easily take the time off they need to complete the training courses to become a volunteer firefighter,” said Joyce. “I’m hopeful this law will encourage more people to complete the training so we can begin to see more recruits and help communities feel safe.”

Senate Bill 1611 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Joyce applauds $200,000 in funding for Manhattan Park District

MANHATTAN – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, Manhattan Park District will receive a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for recreational development projects at Round Barn Farm.

“Investing in our parks and trails is an investment in the well-being of our communities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These are spaces for folks to engage in recreational activities and come together as a community. It is necessary we continue to provide funding for them so they can stay accessible.”

More than $3.7 million was awarded to 19 different communities, which will be used to help meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreational facilities. Grants may be used for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs

The 19 recipients were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, overseen by IDNR, and is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

“We are very pleased to receive the RTP grant for the Round Barn Farm Trail improvements. We thank the State of Illinois and the Federal Recreational Trails Program for recognizing the benefits these trails will bring to Round Barn Farm Park, our residents and future trail connections in our region,” said Jay Kelly, executive director of Manhattan Park District. “We want to also thank our legislators, Senator Patrick Joyce and Representative Anthony DeLuca, in supporting the Manhattan Park District in their efforts in Springfield.”

To see a full list of recipients, click here.

Joyce encourages residents to write holiday letters for Illinois veterans

KANKAKEE — During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2023 Operation Rising Spirit campaign.

“It is the little notes and gestures like this that help uplift our veterans during the holiday season,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This campaign continues to provide our former service members with comfort and a sense of appreciation this time of year.”

Operation Rising Spirit launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

“I encourage all individuals and organizations to participate in this year’s campaign so we can provide our veterans with joy and support,” said Joyce.

To participate, people can mail letters directly to IDVA, or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to:

Crystal Womack

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 S. Spring St.

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Joyce applauds $850,000 in funding for local emergency vehicles

KANKAKEE – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, three communities in the 40^th District will receive funding for new emergency vehicles through the Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program.

“First responders are the backbone of our communities, and providing them with necessary resources is crucial for ensuring public safety,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This funding is significant for our emergency first responders so they can carry out their duties effectively and respond promptly to all situations.”

The Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program are designed to assist departments or cities in purchasing emergency vehicles that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Under the FTRL program, fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments may apply for up to $350,000 in low-interest or no-interest loans for purchase of a fire truck or brush trucks. Under the ARLP program, units of local government and not-for-profit ambulance service providers can apply for no-interest or low-interest loans of up to $200,000. The communities in Joyce’s district receiving loans include:

• City of Kankakee: $350,000 (FTRL)
• Village of Crete: $350,000 (FTRL)
• Manteno Community Fire Protection District: $200,000 (ARLP)

“Without programs such as our Fire Truck and Ambulance Revolving Loan, many departments would have to continue to repair vehicles that are not reliable anymore and never be able to afford a new fire truck or ambulance,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “The OSFM thanks Governor Pritzker for his commitment to our first responders and safety of our state’s residents.”

For a full list of recipients, or to learn more about the loan programs, click here.