Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce

Joyce-supported proposal to address rising Xylazine crisis passes Senate

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, April 30, 2025 02:15 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a proposal that would address the rise in synthetic opioids, along with other synthetic drugs.

“Overdoses in the 40^th District are on the rise – and we need to crackdown on the spread of Xylazine before more lives are lost,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This legislation has taken years’ worth of work – and I am proud to have played a role in its passage.”

Joyce is co-sponsoring the proposal, brought by the Illinois State Police, in response to the steep increase in Xylazine-related drug overdoses reported in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Xylazine-related overdose deaths increased from two reported deaths in 2018, to 45 in 2020 and 155 deaths in 2021.

Twelve school libraries in the 40th District receive funding thanks to Joyce

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, April 22, 2025 09:23 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce secured more than $21,000 in grants to provide resources for twelve public school libraries in the 40^th District.

“In this new age of technology, we cannot forget about our school libraries,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “School libraries are the birthplace of strong reading habits, research skills and student achievement.”

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

Joyce helps secure over $2 million in job training funding for the 40th District

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, April 16, 2025 09:11 AM

Bethel Grant

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce secured over $2 million to further expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program into Kankakee and Cook County.

“You may not fully realize it, but trades are what make our communities run smoothly,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Think about electricians, plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians. These are essential skilled services that communities rely on every single day.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Joyce’s district, Rincon Family Services – in Kankakee – will receive $1,650,000. Bethel Family Resource Center – in Chicago Heights – will receive $484,000. Both family resource centers work to support pre-apprenticeship students and strengthen their communities.

Joyce supports measure to address synthetic opioid crisis

Details: Category: Information; Wednesday, April 02, 2025 03:39 PM

SB1773

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a proposal that would address the rise in synthetic opioids, along with other synthetic drugs.

“The rise in new synthetic opioids is a threat to our communities that we cannot ignore,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This legislation has taken years’ worth of work and dedication, and I am proud to see it moving in the right direction.”

Joyce is co-sponsoring the proposal, brought by the Illinois State Police, in response to the steep increase in Xylazine related drug overdoses reported in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Xylazine related overdose deaths increased from two reported deaths in 2018, to 45 in 2020 and 155 deaths in 2021.

Welcome

Welcome to my official Senate website. This will be your tool for news about what I am doing in Springfield, important information regarding the 40th District and events taking place in and around our community.

It is important to me to have a resource available to my constituents with content necessary to keep you informed as well as a place to have your voice heard. Please continue to visit this site as it grows and see how I am working for you.

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