As we begin a new year together, I’m reminded of these powerful words I shared at a local breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Dr. King understood that progress is rarely easy. It requires persistence, empathy and a belief that our shared future can be better than our present. That spirit of hope is what continues to guide me in Springfield and throughout the 40th District.
January is a month of reflection and renewal. It’s a time to honor the values that define us – service, fairness and community – and to recommit ourselves to lifting one another up. Across our district, I see those values every day in neighbors helping neighbors, educators opening doors for students and local leaders investing in the future. One way we’re putting those values into action is through our Valentine’s Day Card Drive for seniors in long-term care facilities. A simple card can mean the world to someone who may be feeling isolated. Whether handmade or store-bought, these messages remind our seniors that they are seen, valued and loved. Cards can be dropped off or mailed to my office in Kankakee through Feb. 6, and I encourage families and classrooms to take part. Small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
We’re also working to expand opportunities for young people and working adults. This month, the state announced $24 million to grow Manufacturing Training Academies at community colleges. In our district, Kankakee Community College is already leading the way, connecting students to hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, automation and clean energy. These programs open doors to good-paying careers and help local employers find skilled workers. Workforce development is about more than jobs. It’s about giving people a path forward. That same commitment to opportunity is reflected in programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which already is delivering books to hundreds of children in Kankakee County. Early literacy changes lives, and I’m grateful to United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties for making this possible. When we invest in children, we invest in the future of our entire community. January also brings reminders of service and sacrifice. On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jan. 9, we honored the men and women who protect our neighborhoods with courage and professionalism. Public safety depends on strong partnerships between first responders and the communities they serve, and I remain committed to supporting those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.
For students planning their next steps, there are new opportunities as well. High school seniors can apply for the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship, and current or former youth in care can pursue higher education through the Illinois DCFS Scholarship Program. These resources help ensure that a student’s future is shaped by their dreams, not their circumstances. Economic growth remains a priority. I recently joined the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation to celebrate new investments, including Voortman Steel’s expansion in Monee, which will bring more than 200 jobs to our region. Thoughtful economic development strengthens families, communities and the local tax base.
In Springfield, I’m also working to ensure fairness and stability in emerging industries. This month, I introduced legislation to clarify how sports betting is taxed in Illinois, protecting communities from patchwork local levies while maintaining statewide consistency. Responsible regulation matters: for consumers, for local governments and for the long-term health of our economy.
As we move forward, I remain guided by Dr. King’s call to meet challenges with hope. I will continue working to find common ground, expand opportunity and ensure every family in the 40th District has a chance to thrive. Together, we can build a future defined not by division, but by possibility.
As always, my office is here to help. Call us at 708-756-0882, visit senatorpatrickjoyce.com, or follow updates on Facebook at facebook.com/senPatrickjoyce40.
• Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, is the state senator in the 40th District.