PARK FOREST – To commemorate the achievements and contributions of older adults, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is asking residents to submit their nominations to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.

“We all have an older family member, friend or neighbor that helps make our community a better place,” Joyce said. “Their selfless acts deserve recognition, and that’s why I’m asking you to take some time to submit a nomination to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.”

The Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates — one from each category — are inducted.
 
Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Nominations for 2022 inductees must be submitted by June 1. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/HallofFame.

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support the Illinois agriculture industry took effect Jan. 1, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a fourth-generation farmer, is excited to see the positive change that will come from this new legislation.

“Agriculture is a vital industry across Illinois,” Joyce said. “I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues this past spring on issues that help our agriculture industry thrive.” 

Legislation that took effect in the new year includes:

• SB 1245: Starting this year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is required to announce, via a statewide news release, the dates, shooting hours, sites and counties that are open for deer hunting between Sept. 1 and Feb. 15.
• SB 1624: Under this law, agricultural sciences and agricultural education to count as requirements for university admission.

“My colleagues and I were able to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries to implement these new laws,” Joyce said. “I look forward to seeing what we will be able to accomplish in the upcoming spring session.” 

To view a full list of new laws that took effect Jan. 1, visit the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus website.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”