Joyce Creates Future Farmers of America Fund
Joyce Creates Future Farmers of America Fund (Springfield, IL) — Future Farmers of America chapters across Illinois could soon see more financial assistance thanks to grants that would be paid out through the Future Farmers of America Fund created through a measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).
“As lifetime FFA member myself, I am proud to champion legislation that has full support across the board,” said Joyce. “FFA taught me so many valuable lessons that I still hold and apply to my life as a farmer and state senator – and I want to provide those same opportunities for other students across our state.”
Specialty License Plates Would Fund Future Farmers of America Fund
House Bill 5400 also allows the Illinois Secretary of State to issue FFA universal specialty license plates. The funds collected from the distribution of the decals will then go into the Future Farmers of America Fund. Anyone can apply for and be issued one of the plates for an additional $25 to their standard vehicle registration fee. For the original issuance, $10 will go to the FFA Fund, and for renewals $23 will go to the fund.
“The Future Farmers of America Fund will provide even more access to ag education,” said Joyce.
Supporters of the legislation include the Illinois Association of FFA, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers.
HB 5400 passed the Senate Transportation Committee in a unanimous vote and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
About Patrick Joyce
A local business owner and fourth-generation farmer, Senator Patrick Joyce has deep ties to the 40th Senate District. He grew up in Reddick and has lived in Essex for 24 years with his wife, Rita.
Joyce brings a focus on health care, the environment and education to the Senate, as well as a deep knowledge of business and agriculture. His top goals include making the health care system easier to navigate and more supportive for individuals and families suffering from serious illness, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and affordable drinking water, and reducing class sizes throughout the state.
Joyce’s experience of losing his daughter, Katelyn, to leukemia in 2011 inspired him to improve the health care system. While she was undergoing treatment, Joyce saw first-hand how difficult the American medical system can be to navigate and how difficult living through a serious illness can be – even for a family with substantial support and resources. He believes that increasing advocacy and support services would improve the American health system immensely. Every year for nearly a decade, Joyce has led a team of friends and family members to raise money at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night fundraiser in Katelyn’s memory.
Water quality is another issue that Joyce has a deep personal connection to. He has long fought for the conservation and protection of the Kankakee River, an effort he plans to continue as a legislator. He also believes that clean, affordable drinking water is a human right and a resource we cannot take for granted. Pollution, private water companies, and outdated plumbing all threaten the safety of our water supply – particularly in the South Suburbs. Joyce’s commitment to the environment isn’t limited to water. He believes global warming is a true threat to our world and that it’s the General Assembly’s responsibility to promote policies that will protect the Earth for future generations.
Senator Joyce also knows that education is a priority that unites everyone in the South Suburbs, Kankakee, and surrounding area. One of his key goals is to promote smaller class sizes. Study after study shows that smaller class sizes improve educational outcomes for children of every background.
Joyce, with a background in agribusiness and a 25-year history of successfully operating his own small business and family farm, understands the challenges families in the South Suburbs, Kankakee, and surrounding communities face. He is committed to being their advocate in Springfield and improving the quality of life for everyone in the 40th District.
Joyce Creates Future Farmers of America Fund
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