Last week was a busy week in Springfield at the Capitol!
Topics below include:
- Lawmakers Call for Action Following Tragic Death in Chicago
- Senator Balkema Co-Sponsors Legislative Package to Support Small Businesses and Workers
- Senator Balkema Files Bill to Hold Dangerous Individuals Accountable
- FFA Members Gather for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day
- Illinois Trout Season Begins April 4th
- Lawmakers Wear Purple for Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day in Illinois
- Growing University of Illinois Extension
- New IRS Migration Data Shows Continued Outflow of People and Income
- Grant Opportunities from DCEO
- French Canyon Closed at Starved Rock State Park
Lawmakers Call for Action Following Tragic Death in Chicago
I want to take a moment to honor the life of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman. Her tragic killing in Chicago is a heartbreaking reminder that public safety must always come first. Sheridan, a college freshman, lost her life in an incident involving an individual who was in the country illegally, had a criminal history, failed to appear in court, and had an outstanding warrant for more than two years. As a parent, I cannot imagine this. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Sheridan’s story is not the only one. Over the past year, Illinois families have also mourned the loss of Katie Abraham, Mike and Gail Clayton, and Megan Bos—lives taken too soon, leaving behind grieving loved ones and communities searching for answers. Each of these five tragedies is a painful reminder of what is at stake.
These losses raise serious questions about whether current laws, including the expanded TRUST Act, are doing enough to protect Illinois families. I believe our communities deserve policies that keep people safe and hold dangerous individuals accountable. That’s why I support legislation like Senate Bill 1316, which would repeal the TRUST Act and restore cooperation between local and federal authorities in cases involving serious criminal offenses.
Safety, accountability, and protecting families must always be our top priorities.
Senator Balkema Co-Sponsors Legislative Package to Support Small Businesses and Workers
I am co-sponsoring a legislative package aimed at supporting small businesses, providing relief to workers, and improving Illinois’ economic competitiveness.
The proposal comes as Illinois continues to face economic challenges, including projected population loss, slow job growth, and rising costs for employers and families.
Illinois must take steps to become a more competitive and business-friendly state. The legislative package includes several proposals designed to reduce costs and support economic growth.
One measure, Senate Bill 3786, would create a Legacy Tax Credit for businesses headquartered in Illinois, rewarding companies for long-term investment and job creation.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 3792, would eliminate Illinois’ income tax on tipped wages, allowing workers to keep more of what they earn. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 137 would increase the retailer’s discount for small businesses, helping offset the cost of collecting and remitting sales taxes.
Finally, Senate Bill 2763 would allow individuals and small business owners to deduct health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state taxes.
Senator Balkema Files Bill to Hold Dangerous Individuals Accountable
I filed Senate Bill 2341 to expand the list of offenses for which individuals can be detained. This legislation, inspired by the Livingston County State’s Attorney, includes a third DUI offense and the delivery or manufacture of lethal drugs in amounts below what would qualify as a Class X or Class 1 felony. I have also proposed an amendment to include fentanyl possession, though it has not yet moved out of assignments. My goal with this bill is simple: to strengthen public safety and ensure dangerous individuals are held accountable.
FFA Members Gather for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day
Each spring during the legislative session, farmers, FFA members, and agricultural leaders travel to Springfield for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day to advocate for the future of agriculture and emphasize the industry’s role in the state’s economy.
The 56th annual event brought several hundred students, farmers, and farm organization leaders to the Illinois State Capitol for meetings with lawmakers on issues important to agriculture. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine and is a leader in agricultural exports.
Agriculture Legislative Day is an important opportunity for the agricultural community to connect directly with lawmakers and share their thoughts about the needs and issues facing the Illinois ag sector. I also welcomed seeing FFA students take to the Capitol, noting that these students represent the future of Illinois agriculture.
Illinois Trout Season Begins April 4th
The 2026 Illinois spring trout season opens April 4 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams, with an early catch-and-release period already underway at select locations. During early season, all trout must be released; the regular season allows five trout per day.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks over 80,000 rainbow trout each spring, with additional fall stockings planned. New or returning locations this year include McHenry, Macon, Wayne, and Adams counties. Harvesting before April 4 is prohibited.
Anglers are required to have a valid fishing license and trout stamp unless exempt. More information, including site-specific regulations, is available at https://ifishillinois.org/.
Lawmakers Wear Purple for Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day in Illinois
Lawmakers and advocates wore purple on March 25 to mark the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s 2026 Day of Action, an annual event focused on raising awareness and pushing for stronger dementia-related policies across the state.
The effort comes as Alzheimer’s disease continues to affect a growing number of families in Illinois. More than 250,000 Illinois residents are currently living with the disease, underscoring the need for policies that support patients, caregivers, and long-term planning.
By wearing purple, participants highlighted both the urgency of the issue and the importance of continued legislative action to improve the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Growing University of Illinois Extension
Last week, representatives from the University of Illinois Extension visited the Capitol to highlight how small ideas can spark big change in rural communities. In White Hall, Illinois, Brock and Jackie Schutz transformed a long-vacant building into Greene Elite Athletics, creating a hub for youth programs, classes, and community events. Their story shows that revitalization doesn’t require a huge project — it starts with local entrepreneurs, community engagement, and small, visible improvements. Stop by your local Extension Office and learn about state and regional resources to support planning, funding, and community development efforts. A single idea can start a ripple — one that leads to renewed confidence, new opportunities, and a stronger future for your town.
New IRS Migration Data Shows Continued Outflow of People and Income
Recent IRS data covering 2022–2023 shows that Illinois continues to lose residents and income to other states. Over that period, about 54,000 people, including tax filers and their dependents, left Illinois, ranking it third‑highest in the nation for net domestic out‑migration. Importantly, those leaving brought higher average incomes ($104,000) than those moving in ($79,000), meaning more wealth is exiting the state than entering it. Since 2000, Illinois has seen a net loss of roughly 780,000 taxpayers and 1.6 million residents, with an estimated $94 billion in adjusted gross income going with them. These figures highlight ongoing challenges for Illinois’ tax base and economic competitiveness.
Grant Opportunities from DCEO
- Due to the popularity of the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been extended and an additional $30 million is being added to the program. The deadline for the Capital Ready Grant as well as the existing Planning Grant has been extended to Thursday, April 30, 2026. If you have questions, please reach out to CEO.Sites@Illinois.gov
- DCEO has now opened the Opportunity Zone Nomination Form to gather information from our partners and communities regarding helping to inform the next set of Opportunity Zones. For more information about Opportunity Zones, including a recording of the informational webinar and the nomination form, please visit their website through this link.
French Canyon Closed at Starved Rock State Park
Trail access to French Canyon at Starved Rock State Park will be closed last week, March 23. The closure will last through June to accommodate the park’s ongoing trail improvement projects.
Closures include the trailhead access to the top of French Canyon, the trails from the Starved Rock Lodge parking lot, and the trail leading into French Canyon from behind the visitor center. It also includes parts of Brown Bluff and Campanula trails.
Existing closures include Tonti Canyon and Tonti Bridge, the trail from LaSalle Canyon to Tonti Canyon, and the staircase from the west entrance to the boat ramp area.
Park guests may stop by the visitor center or follow Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks on Facebook for trail closure information and project updates.
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.
Senator Chris Balkema