KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce secured over $2 million to further expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program into Kankakee and Cook County.

“You may not fully realize it, but trades are what make our communities run smoothly,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Think about electricians, plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians. These are essential skilled services that communities rely on every single day.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Joyce’s district, Rincon Family Services – in Kankakee – will receive $1,650,000. Bethel Family Resource Center – in Chicago Heights – will receive $484,000. Both family resource centers work to support pre-apprenticeship students and strengthen their communities.

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.”  

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.”

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.