KANKAKEE – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Patrick Joyce is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“Book clubs build strong reading habits, research skills and lead to student achievement,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Our Summer Book Club was a huge hit last year and the goal is to keep growing it every year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Joyce’s Kankakee office or fill out an online form by Aug. 22. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card or attend a pizza party hosted by Joyce.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com. People with questions can reach out to Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $2.7 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use paths in Chicago Heights and the Village of Park Forest. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“This is an investment into connecting our communities with safe and accessible infrastructure,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to fight on behalf of the residents of 40^th District for the funding their communities deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – Landowners and farmers could soon have more flexibility when it comes to hunting on their own property under legislation from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This legislation would clear up the red tape stopping hunters from getting the permits they deserve,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If someone wishes to hunt on their own property, let’s get them the permits they need without the hassle and charge.”

House Bill 2340 would allow landowner deer, turkey and hunting permits to be issued without charge to Illinois landowners who own at least 20 acres in a county where there is positively identified chronic wasting disease cases in the deer herd, resident tenants of at least 20 acres of commercial agricultural land where they will hunt, or an owner, shareholder or partner of a business that owns at least 20 acres of land.

SPRINGFIELD – To educate homeowners about the importance of home fire sprinkler systems, State Senator Patrick Joyce presented a resolution to the Senate Wednesday.

“Home fire sprinklers are one of the most important safety measures in households,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These systems can provide peace of mind and protect homes from major fire devastation.”

Senate Resolution 96 declares the week of May 11-17, 2025 as Home Fire Sprinkler Week in Illinois.  The purpose of this resolution is to raise awareness about sprinkler systems and promote education to prevent the damage and risks that house fires cause to families, firefighters and structures.