Welcome to Senator Patrick Joyce's legislative website

Joyce celebrates grand opening of Voortman Steel USA Headquarters in Monee

MONEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined Voortman Steel Machinery leadership, Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s $51 million expansion project in Monee.

“I am glad to say that this state has fully backed what we are seeing today,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is our third major project in this manufacturing corridor. The Voortman Headquarters will be in this community for generations to come, and that’s something to be proud of.”

Voortman Steel Machinery is housed in a one million square foot state-of-the-art facility in the Netherlands, employing over 550 people. They have grown into a leading machine manufacturer for plate, beam and pipe steel processing machines. For the last 20 years, Voortman Steel has been assembling steel, building up supply chains and creating jobs in Illinois. With the completion of the Monee facility, Illinois continues to build on its position as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

Read more: Joyce celebrates grand opening of Voortman Steel USA Headquarters in Monee

Joyce announces additional funding to prevent food insecurity

• Grants
• Grocery Initiative

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“It is crucial that we combat food insecurity, and the additional funding to eliminate food deserts in our community does just that,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This program has been successful in the past and this new round of funding is crucial to ensuring our communities remain healthy.”

Read more: Joyce announces additional funding to prevent food insecurity

Joyce announces E-Waste Recycling Event in Bourbonnais

KANKAKEE – Many residents often find themselves with a buildup of electronic items that do not belong in standard trash bins. In an effort to help residents safely discard their electronics, State Senator Patrick Joyce is teaming up with Belson Steel to host an E-Waste Recycling Event in Bourbonnais on Sept. 19.

“Now is the time to throw out that old laptop or TV that hasn’t been booted up in years,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I know I have some old junk that has been taking up space in the garage for far too long. This is a great opportunity to get rid of it in a safe and efficient way.”

The event will be held on Sept. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at 811 Larry Power Rd., Bourbonnais. Joyce’s office will be on site to assist in the unloading process. Items that will be accepted at the event include:

Read more: Joyce announces E-Waste Recycling Event in Bourbonnais

Joyce encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding

• Grants
• Pre-Apprenticeship

KANKAKEE – To expand the 40th District’s talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. 

“I have always pushed for more investments in employment programs,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has continuously proven its effectiveness over the years in providing hard-working people with the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Read more: Joyce encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding