News

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 – 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:

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.”

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.