Press Releases

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced $18,000 in grant funding is being awarded to Kankakee County to attract visitors and support tourism in the region.

“Kankakee County is home to some wonderful attractions and local businesses that Illinois residents, or out-of-state visitors, may not be aware of,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “What this funding will do is get the word out there and put Kankakee County on the map for visitors in the future.”

Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. was awarded $18,000 to provide monthly camera shoots and full-production shoots creating a library of videos to promote county attractions, events, outdoor recreation, restaurants, lodging properties and locally owned businesses.  Videos will be used across social media, digital advertising, websites, email campaigns, public relations and partner promotions.

KANKAKEE – To combat rising energy prices, State Senator Patrick Joyce encourages eligible families in the 40th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Fall is here and temperatures starting to drop, with that we will see utility costs start to rise” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Families need to be aware of the support systems that are out there.”

The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

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.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Will and Cook County may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

“One of the most important aspects with assistance like this is making sure residents and businesses know it is there to be used,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “There’s still much more left to do in terms of recovery and attaining relief assistance, and I will keep working to get us there.”

Residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

Requests may be submitted electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by postal mail using the address on the return. When submitting by mail, taxpayers should write “Severe Storms - Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and attach or include the explanation for requesting abatement of penalties and interest.