News from Sen. Joyce
February was an important month for our state and national history. We celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Presidents Day, and Black History Month, among other notable milestones.
There are many quotes from Mr. Lincoln that have resonated throughout history. But I think this one rings true in Springfield: “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.”
As we begin the earnest work of the 103rd General Assembly in 2023, I am co-chairing one of two Senate committees where my fellow co-chair is a Republican.
Traditionally, committee chairs are members of the majority party, which has been the Democratic Party in the Illinois Senate since 2003. But I will share leadership duty of the Senate State Government Committee with Sen. Sally Turner, a Republican from Lincoln, just north of Springfield. My new colleague Democratic Sen. Mike Halpin will co-chair the Senate Higher Education Committee with Republican Sen. Dale Fowler from Southern Illinois.
I believe this is an earnest effort by our Democratic and Republican leaders to put into action the words I have shared in this space since I joined the Senate three years ago: We are better when we work together. I look forward to working closely with Sen. Turner and my colleagues to find common ground for improving state government operations and being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
I was proud to see Gov. Pritzker carry the cooperative theme out in his State of the State and budget address he delivered in the House chambers on February 15. We will be working to build on the principles he outlined and the good progress we have made to keep taxes in check, pay down our debt, balance our budget, and invest in education, health care, law enforcement, and other key priorities. I will fight to make sure our voices in the south suburbs are heard this session.
Our state’s transportation infrastructure is essential to our success. I was honored to be named 2022 Railroader of the Year, along with Mark Denzler of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, by the Illinois Railroad Association earlier this month.
Governors State University is receiving $445,000 for emergency education relief in a recent grant awarded by the Illinois Board Higher Education, which will give more students a better chance to go to college and succeed.
The Illinois EPA also has announced $130,000 is headed to three communities in the 40th Senate District to help replace lead water lines – Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights, and Steger.
I will have more updates on my work in Springfield as the spring legislative session progresses. You can see the various bills I am sponsoring at the Illinois General Assembly website https://ilga.gov/senate/SenatorBills.asp?MemberID=3164&Primary=True.
I urge you to contact me anytime I can help at 708-756-0882, or http://www.senatorpatrickjoyce.com/. I will continue to share the latest news on my website and on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/senPatrickjoyce40/.
Sen. Patrick Joyce
D-Essex, 40th State Senate District
Illinois News
National News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Classifieds
Area News
Illinois Office of Tourism Names Cranky Mike’s Popcorn to Illinois Made Program4
Spread the loveGovernor J.B. Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders, proudly unveiled the latest inductees into the Illinois Made program, including Cranky Mike’s Popcorn in Momence. This year marks a significant milestone, as 48 exceptional small businesses, often referred to as ‘Makers,’ have been welcomed…
Peotone Travel Center Now Open for Business
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens The Peotone Travel Center cleared the Fire Marshall on Friday, December 1, and immediately “soft-opened” for business. Village President Peter March was the first customer. “We are excited to have the Peotone Travel Center open for business today, December 1. It has been a long journey but seeing the final…
New State-of-the-Art Election Equipment Demonstration Planned
Spread the loveWill County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry is inviting the public to a demonstration of new state-of-the-art election equipment that will be used to cast and count ballots in next year’s Primary and Presidential Elections. County Clerk Staley Ferry and her team will conduct demonstrations of the new ballot counters, ADA-compliant ballot-marking devices, and…
Kankakee County Museum Presents Gallery of Trees and More
Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Museum, 801 S. Eighth Avenue, Kankakee, invites area residents to the annual Gallery of Trees. Celebrating 45 years of this beloved local tradition, this year the Museum is filled with more than 35 trees decorated by area non-profit organizations, based on favorite themes from the past 45 years. Traditionally, more…
Peotone Police Blotter: November 28 – 30
Spread the loveNovember 28, the Peotone Police, after effecting a traffic stop on a vehicle failing to yield to merging traffic, placed the driver, Ms. Martinez, under arrest for driving while license is suspended. Two citations were issued to the driver: Driving with suspended license and failing to yield to merging traffic. Martinez was given…
Legion Fish Fry December 9
Spread the loveDon’t forget to stop by Peotone American Legion Post 392, 109 E. North Street, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., for some delicious fish after a great day at Christmas in the Village. Dinners (all-you-can-it, if dining in) are $15 for either perch or catfish and include French fries, cole slaw, bread and butter,…
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveDon’t forget to stop by the library on December 9, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to celebrate Christmas in the Village. The library also is a collection site for Toys for Tots. New and unwrapped toys may be dropped off during library hours through December 9. For the Homebound Delivery Program, contact…
Peotone Police Blotter: November 18 – 22
Spread the loveNovember 18, Peotone Police responded in the early morning hours to Casey’s in reference to a domestic disturbance that started on the expressway and continued into the parking lot. November 20, officers responded to the report of suspicious subjects around Oak and Division Streets, possibly looking into parked vehicles. Responding officers checked the…
What if there was an alternative to the airport?
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens What if there was an alternative plan to the famous Peotone airport? The airport that’s been talked about for 30 years and has promised to bring economic development and jobs. That’s exactly what the Chicago Wilderness Alliance proposed to a packed town hall at the Village of Monee meeting room…
Long Rezoning Hearing in Manteno Had Room Packed
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens The meeting of the Manteno Planning and Zoning Commission lasted for five hours with, literally, those for and against split down the middle of the elementary school gymnasium. There was a press conference before the meeting at Heritage Park, where Phil Nagel, Jeanne Ives, and the attorney for the Concerned…
Crete Country Christmas is Coming to Town This Weekend!
Spread the loveOrganizers have so much in store for the community at the Crete Country Christmas, December 1 – 3, and hope you’ll join them to celebrate the season. It seems there’s something for everyone – young and old, including a Grinch 5K, Breakfast with the Grinch, Santa visits, a Cocoa and Cookie Crawl, Holiday…
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveThe library has a Homebound Delivery Program. Contact the Adult Services Department for more information and guidelines. The library also is a collection site for Toys for Tots. New and unwrapped toys may be dropped off during library hours from November 6 – December 9. Register for events on the website calendar or…
Helping Hands Giving Tree Christmas Tags Available at Local Banks
Spread the loveOnce again, the Giving Trees, for children of assisted families at Helping Hands Food Pantry, are at both Old National Bank and First Community Bank and Trust in Peotone. Members of the community are encouraged to participate in the true meaning of the season and pick-up a Christmas wish tag for one of…
‘Step Back into a 1950s Christmas and Hanukkah’
Spread the lovePlus 75th Anniversary of Park Forest exhibits at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum. The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, invites you to “Step Back into a 1950s Christmas and Hanukkah,” which will be open from November 29, through January 3. Also available…