Joyce calls for a shift in priorities after governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement:

“When looking at the governor’s proposed budget, we need to focus on what really matters: the middle class and prioritizing not raising taxes. Our communities have sent us a clear message: we need to limit government spending and ease the burden on hard working families.”

“I understand this is only the beginning of budget negotiations and I plan to do right by the people of Illinois by working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to get our priorities back on track.”  

Joyce sworn in during 104th General Assembly inauguration

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Patrick Joyce was sworn in to another term in the Illinois Senate Wednesday, as the 104^th General Assembly officially began.

“Illinois has some serious issues residents are facing and feeling every day, and I’m ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we deliver real solutions that improve the lives of everyone in the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to be a common-sense voice down in Springfield and will always put people above party and politics.” 

Joyce, a Democrat from Essex, was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and was elected to serve his third full term in November. He represents the 40^th District, which includes portions of southern Cook County, a majority of Kankakee County, an eastern portion of Will County and southeastern Grundy County.

During his time in office, Joyce has focused on improving the agriculture industry, increasing access to health care and lowering property taxes.

Joyce successfully pushes for Voortman Steel Machinery in Illinois

MONEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined Voortman Steel Machinery leadership and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce the expansion of the Voortman Steel company in Monee.

“Bringing Voortman Steel to the district is proof that Illinois has the tools and leadership available to attract new business to the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This expansion will bring economic growth and good-paying jobs to the area while strengthening our business and manufacturing industries. This is big for the 40^th District and all Illinoisans, and I’m proud to have worked hard alongside others to make it a reality.”

Voortman Steel Machinery is a global leading manufacturer of CNC steel processing machinery and software solutions, catering to diverse industries. To meet increased customer demand, Voortman’s expansion aims to grow the company’s workforce – benefiting the area by creating new jobs and moving more manufacturing supply chains to Illinois.

As part of the state's comprehensive incentive package, Voortman received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credit and has committed to making a $51.4 million investment, creating 51 new full-time jobs and retaining 40 full-time jobs. In calendar year 2023, companies in the EDGE program committed nearly $900 million in investments in Illinois communities across the state.

“As we break ground today, we’re not just laying the foundation for a building. We’re laying the foundation for a brighter more prosperous future for the area. We’re showing everyone that economic growth and working with local and state government can go hand in hand,” said Voortman Steel Machinery President Ben Morrall. “To everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment – the architects, the engineers, the city planners, local government, governor’s office and countless others – thank you. Your vision and dedication have made this possible.”

Joyce urges eligible stores to apply for Illinois Grocery Initiative funding

KANKAKEE – In an effort to address the amount of food deserts in the state, State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing a second round of grant funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s New Stores in Food Deserts Grant Program.

“The amount of food deserts in the region is depriving people and families from fresh food options,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The Grocery Initiative Act gives us the opportunity to upgrade existing stores and create new ones that are easily accessible. With this second round of funding from the program, it’s important all eligible entities apply so we can ensure residents have food on their tables.”

Under the Grocery Initiative Act, DCEO is required to provide grants and other forms of financial assistance to grocery stores located in or to be located in a food desert. 

The New Stores in Food Deserts Program awards will support the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts. These grants will fund construction and renovation costs for new stores, as well as many first-year operations costs, such as employee wages, utility costs, initial inventory of food and more.

Read more: Joyce urges eligible stores to apply for Illinois Grocery Initiative funding