Illinois Faces National Spotlight as Concerns Grow Over Cash Bail Elimination
Illinois is once again in the national spotlight as concerns grow over the state’s controversial decision to eliminate cash bail. On August 25, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to explore blocking funding to states that ended cash bail, claiming that the policy undermines public safety.
Illinois became the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail in 2023 under the SAFE-T Act, a move that Republicans warned would hurt law enforcement’s ability to keep dangerous offenders off the streets. Since then, critics say the law has allowed repeat and violent offenders to walk free while communities pay the price.
From our survey last week, 81% of respondents support President Trump’s executive order, while 19% oppose it. I believe Illinois families deserve a justice system that prioritizes victims and law enforcement over criminals, not reckless policies that put ideology ahead of safety and reward offenders. I am calling on Democrat leaders to repeal the SAFE-T Act and restore accountability before communities and law-abiding citizens are further harmed.
Balkema Joins Legislative Audit Commission Focused on Transparency and Corrective Action
I am honored to have been nominated to serve on the Legislative Audit Commission, which is mandated by law (25 ILCS 150/0.01-0.06) to review all audits conducted by the Illinois Auditor General’s office. The Commission’s primary responsibilities include:
- Holding public hearings on major audits of state agencies to review problems, assess stewardship, and secure remedial action.
- Initiating and reviewing management and program audits and investigations.
- Making recommendations to the General Assembly and agency management for corrective legislation or other measures to remedy weaknesses identified through audits or hearings.
- Monitoring agency progress in implementing corrective actions.
Serving on this Commission allows me to work closely with every Illinois state agency to understand their mission, objectives, and deliverables. Transparency is critical, and every agency must be held accountable to resolve identified findings. I am committed to ensuring corrective actions are driven forward, reducing and eliminating both financial and performance findings, and making government more accountable to the people.
See if Illinois Owes You Cash at iCash in Metamora
Join me on Wednesday, September 10th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Metamora Village Hall and see if the Treasurer’s Office has some unclaimed cash with your name on it! With $5 billion waiting for Illinoisans, it’s worth checking — plus, we’ll help you file your claim. Don’t miss out!
Federal Lawsuit Challenges Illinois Law Giving Financial Aid to Undocumented Students
Illinois is once again facing a federal lawsuit over its immigration policies, this time for offering taxpayer-funded financial aid and in-state tuition to undocumented students. Earlier this summer, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 460 into law, expanding state scholarships and grants to include undocumented immigrants beginning next year.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, arguing the law violates federal statutes that prohibit giving benefits to individuals in the country illegally that are not equally provided to U.S. citizens. Federal officials say the law discriminates against students from other states who are legally in the U.S. but do not receive the same financial breaks Illinois is now promising to undocumented immigrants.
The lawsuit contends that Illinois’ policy not only conflicts with federal law but also shifts the financial burden onto taxpayers while incentivizing more illegal immigration.
I think this latest lawsuit is further proof that Governor Pritzker’s policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families. I believe taxpayer-funded financial aid should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents, not used to create additional incentives for illegal immigration.
New Legislation Seeks to Provide Relief to Middle-Class Illinoisans Struggling with Soaring Utility Bills
In response to the recent spike in electricity rates throughout the state, I am co-sponsoring newly filed legislation that seeks to provide much-needed relief for Illinois families struggling with rising utility bills.
Senate Bill 2687, also known as the Home Utility Relief Act, creates a Home Utility Rebate Program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program would provide rebates to households with incomes between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. These are families who often earn too much to qualify for traditional low-income assistance programs but are still burdened by rapidly rising energy costs.
The measure establishes a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund to be used in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. After rebates are issued to qualifying households, any remaining funds may also be made available to certain first-time small business owners.
I believe families across the state are already struggling to keep up with the higher costs of living and are now being hit with soaring electricity bills. Working and middle-class families often find themselves with no access to programs to help offset spiraling energy prices.
Made in America is Back — Illinois Must Keep Its Businesses Here
While it’s encouraging to see “Made in America” making a comeback, we cannot allow all this growth to happen in other states while Illinois loses ground. Illinois is the third worst in the Midwest. I am passionate about helping businesses, large and small, not only grow but stay here in Illinois. I will do everything I can to push the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and other agencies to create a climate where businesses want to expand and remain in our state. We have a long way to go, but we can turn this around.
- Minnesota: 16,029 opened; 21,448 closed (net −5,419).
- Ohio: 26,579 opened; 27,585 closed (net -1,006).
- Illinois: 35,143 opened; 34,914 closed (net +229).
- Indiana: 16,993 opened; 16,463 closed (net +530).
- Iowa: 9,349 opened; 8,325 closed (net +1,024).
- Michigan: 25,756 opened; 24,412 closed (net +1,344).
- Missouri: 28,251 opened; 26,227 closed (net +2,024).
- Wisconsin: 18,895 opened; 16,828 closed (net +2,067).
If you would like to look into any other state, here is a link to the state-by-state data profiles: https://advocacy.sba.gov/2025/06/30/2025-small-business-profiles-for-the-states-territories-and-nation/
Legislative Assistant Job Opportunity
Senator Chris Balkema is looking for a highly motivated leader to serve as a Legislative Assistant! If you’re passionate about serving the people of Illinois and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your cover letter and resume to Mary Lou Frank at mfrank@sgop.ilga.gov.
You can reply to this email if you have any questions about this opportunity.
