Welcome to Senator Patrick Joyce's legislative website

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

Joyce announces disaster assistance available to those impacted by summer storms

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.

Read more: Joyce announces disaster assistance available to those impacted by summer storms