Hello,
I hope you enjoyed your weekend. I spent my weekend prepping for my son’s wedding! He is getting married on Saturday!
This week, I am sharing updates on protecting families, keeping your information private, and helping communities access important resources.
Topics below include:
- Senate Republicans Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Domestic Violence Victims
- Illinois Energy Facts & Data
- Senator Balkema Files Bill to Protect Privacy from Drones
- Grants and Funding Available
Senate Republicans Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Domestic Violence Victims
My colleagues and I have introduced a package of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence and holding repeat offenders accountable. The proposal comes as domestic violence-related deaths continue to rise across the state.
According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence-related deaths increased 140% from 2022 to 2024. Senate Republicans say the current law too often allows abusers to repeatedly violate protective orders with limited consequences, leaving victims at continued risk.
The legislative package that I am co-sponsoring includes Senate Bill 3139, which would require suspects in serious domestic violence cases to prove they do not pose a real and present danger before being released, creating a cooling-off period for victims to seek help. Senate Bill 3140 would increase penalties for violating orders of protection by making those violations felony offenses, with higher penalties for repeat violations.
Additional proposals include Senate Bill 3141, which would establish minimum holding times for repeat violations of protective, no-contact, and stalking orders, and Senate Bill 3142, which would require courts to consider prior convictions across different types of protective orders when sentencing repeat offenders.
Orders of protection should mean real safety for victims, not repeated fear and uncertainty. These proposals are about giving victims, law enforcement, and courts the tools needed to intervene early and prevent further violence.
Illinois Energy Facts & Data
I am sharing this Illinois Energy Facts & Data presentation we have been working on so hardworking taxpayers like you can see exactly what is happening with our energy supply. This presentation and the data inside are intended to explain the history of Illinois’ energy system and why electricity rates have been increasing over time. The data makes clear that as demand rises, reliability and affordability must come first for families and job creators.
You can view the presentation here.
Senator Balkema Files Bill to Protect Privacy from Drones
No one wants a drone hovering over their home or recording their private moments. That is why I filed SB 3281 that would make it illegal to fly drones over someone’s property without consent or share any recordings taken that way. Violators could face a Class A misdemeanor. The bill is now in committee.
Grants and Funding Available
Historical Records Preservation Grants
Organizations that maintain historical records may apply for $500 to $5,000 to support digitization and improved public access. Archives, libraries, museums, and universities are eligible, with a one-to-one match required.
Applications are open January 19 through March 13, 2026 via the Illinois State Archives.
$3.6 Million for Local Food Infrastructure
Grants are available to help move Illinois-grown food from farms to consumers through investments in processing, storage, aggregation, and distribution. Collaborative projects may receive $1,000 to $250,000, and individual projects may receive $1,000 to $75,000.
Applications open February 18, 2026, through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Innovation Voucher Program
An additional $2.6 million is available to support research partnerships between small businesses and Illinois universities. Businesses can apply for up to $75,000, covering up to 75 percent of eligible costs.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
Grundy County Coroner at the Capitol
State Senator Sue Rezin and I had a great visit with Grundy County Coroner John Callahan at the Capitol last week. He is engaged, responsive, and does an excellent job representing Grundy County residents while serving communities across Illinois.
Have a great rest of your week! If you ever need anything, please reach out to my office! We are happy to help! See locations and contacts below.