Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order
Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order directing state agencies to set aside up to 4% of their Fiscal Year 2026 budgets, limit non-essential spending, review hiring, and prepare reserves. However, state spending has already increased nearly 40% since he took office. Some say this is a public relations (PR) stunt, while others say it is a step towards reducing the budget.
You can read more of his executive order here.
Do you support Governor Pritzker’s recent executive order directing state agencies to set aside up to 4% of their Fiscal Year 2026 budgets?
Thank You to Illinois Small Business Owners
Last week, we asked if you or someone you know owns a small business in Illinois, and 209 of you responded — thank you! It’s inspiring to see so many entrepreneurs in our community working hard to grow their businesses.
Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois, which is why I want to make sure everyone is aware of a few new taxes that could also impact you. The proposed $1.50 delivery tax and potential digital advertising tax will affect all Illinois residents, but the service fee and the “mom-and-pop” digital ad tax could hit small businesses particularly hard. I’m committed to advocating for policies that protect both Illinois families and small business owners.
State Launches Listening Tour on Math Plan
Illinois education officials are seeking feedback on a new statewide effort to improve student math performance.
The Illinois State Board of Education will begin an eight-stop listening tour in October to gather input on its first draft of a “Comprehensive Numeracy Plan,” designed to provide educators with evidence-based strategies for teaching math.
The first session is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the board’s Springfield office, with additional stops set for Naperville on Oct. 22, Rockford on Oct. 23, a virtual session on Nov. 4, Champaign on Nov. 5, Edwardsville on Nov. 12, Carbondale on Nov. 13, and Chicago on Nov. 18. All meetings begin at 4 p.m. and participants can register online. The final version of the plan is expected to be presented to the state board by June 2026.
Student testing data show that reading scores for grades three through eight have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, gains that state officials attribute to the Comprehensive Literacy Plan adopted in recent years. Math scores, however, remain below 2019 levels, prompting the state to rethink the way math is currently being taught.
Illinois Native Named Among NASA’s 2025 Astronaut Candidates
Savanna-native Cameron Jones has been selected as one of 10 astronaut candidates in NASA’s 2025 class following a nationwide competition that drew more than 8,000 applicants.
Jones, 35, is a U.S. Air Force major and an experienced test pilot with more than 1,600 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft, including 150 combat hours.
Jones holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base. At the time of his selection, he was serving as an Air Force Academic Fellow at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
The 2025 astronaut class reported for duty at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in September of this year. Their two-year program includes survival skills, robotics, geology, medicine, language study, simulated spacewalks, and flights in high-performance jets.
Once training is complete, candidates will become eligible for missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and eventually Mars.
Hearing from Our Communities to Better Serve You
This week, I connected with several faith communities in our district to hear their thoughts on important issues facing Illinois and our nation. I’m eager to hear from any other organizations or non-profits that would like to share their perspective. If your organization would like to participate, please reply to this email and I’ll send you the questions.
I also want to continue hearing from all constituents — don’t forget my legislative survey is available on my website here. With our nation feeling increasingly divided, your input is invaluable and helps me represent you effectively in Springfield.
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.
