SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 102nd General Assembly.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I am honored to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee,” Joyce said. “I’ve seen firsthand the issues and concerns facing the farming community, and I look forward to leading the committee to make sure our farmers’ best interests are kept in mind.”

During these challenging times for farms, ranches and rural communities throughout the state, Joyce vows to be a strong representative to address critical matters affecting Illinois’ food supply chain. He intends to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries.

“Agriculture is a vital industry in my district and the state of Illinois,” Joyce said. “I will strive to improve resources and supports for the Illinoisans who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.”

Joyce served as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 101st General Assembly.

CHICAGO – Assistant Minority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is congratulating Our Lady of the Snows School on receiving an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant to fund a pollinator garden.

“I’m pleased to see a local school investing in our natural environment,” Munoz said. “This grant program gives the students a great opportunity to have a hands-on experience with wildlife.”

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Fund (ICF) to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. Projects funded by these grants are meant to teach children that their actions can make a difference in the world while increasing the use of native plants in Illinois.

Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. More than $329,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception.

Applications for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants will be open soon, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2021. More information on applying for the next round of grants can be found on the IDNR website.

GLENVIEW – Students at Glenbrook South High School will be able to learn about nature and make a positive environmental impact through hands-on experience thanks to an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.

“When kids are learning about the world around them, some of the most important lessons take place outside the classroom,” Senator Fine said. “This garden will not only provide a place for native species to thrive—it will give students the chance to get their hands dirty and enjoy nature.”

GRAYSLAKE — A number of students in the district State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) represents will have a chance to learn out in nature, thanks to the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant Program.

“Hands-on learning, especially when children can see the change they’re making, is some of the best learning,” Bush said. “Students who benefit from this grant funding will be able to gain a sense of responsibility and learn more about the beautiful world around us, all while making a difference in the community.”

CHICAGO – Today marks one year since State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) began serving in the Illinois Senate. Feigenholtz, who was previously the state representative for the 12th District, took time to reflect on her new role in her first year as senator for the 6th District.

“Because of this global pandemic, my first year in the Senate was unforgettable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent this resilient district,” Feigenholtz said. “In a year that was dominated by COVID-19, I am very proud of the work my district office staff was able to accomplish in meeting the needs of our community. Hundreds of unemployment cases were brought to resolution because of their diligence and commitment to our constituents.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) was named chair of the Illinois Senate Human Rights Committee on Monday.

“I promise to be a fighter for the voices that have been left out of the conversation,” Villanueva said. “Our friends and neighbors are counting on us to uphold their dignity and push for equity, and I will be there every step of the way.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is congratulating the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights on winning a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to give local 6-8 graders experience with prairie restoration.

“I want to thank the Lake Katherine Nature Center for giving local students the opportunity to experience nature and learn about Illinois’ natural history,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “I also appreciate their efforts to restore our natural environment for the public to enjoy.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Salt Creek Primary School in Elmhurst and Stella May Swartz Elementary School in Oakbrook Terrace have received Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants to fund the creation of butterfly gardens at each school, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) announced.

“Creating interactive, educational spaces at our schools will teach children the importance of taking care of their environment,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Butterfly gardens will provide students with a hands-on learning opportunity about many aspects of nature including insects, pollination and native plants in Illinois.”