The Illinois General Assembly is approaching a key deadline as lawmakers work to advance bills out of their original chamber. This week marks the Third Reading deadline, meaning legislation must receive a final vote to stay on track. Bills that pass will move to the opposite chamber for further consideration, as lawmakers focus on major floor action before time runs out.
Topics below include:
- Senator Balkema Files SB 3651 to Strengthen Substitute Teacher Pathways
- Youth Advisory Council
- Illinois has 2nd Highest Gas Tax in the Nation
- Illinois Flash Index Declined for Third Month in a Row
- Legislation Would Create Tax Credit for Foster Families
- Madigan Returns to Court in Bid to Overturn Corruption Conviction
- Put the Phone Away, or Pay
- Illinois Ranks High for Cyber Crime Complaints, Financial Losses
- Upcoming Property Tax Seminar
Senator Balkema Files SB 3651 to Strengthen Substitute Teacher Pathways
Senator Balkema recently filed SB 3651 to help experienced school support staff take the next step into the classroom. The bill would allow paraprofessionals who have worked in Illinois schools for at least five years and already hold a valid paraprofessional endorsement to qualify for a Substitute Teaching License without needing a bachelor’s degree or additional credit-hour requirements. This change recognizes the valuable, hands-on experience these educators already bring to students every day and helps schools address ongoing substitute teacher shortages by expanding the pool of qualified candidates.
Youth Advisory Council
I was honored to welcome high school students from across the district to my Youth Advisory Council to Springfield for an impactful day at the Illinois State Capitol. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with the legislative process, including visits to both the Senate and House Floors alongside Assistant Secretary of the Senate Scott Kaiser and Representative Jason R. Bunting. We also heard from Whitney Barnes, Press Secretary, who shared valuable insight into state government communications and public service, and Senator Darby Hills.
A key highlight of the day was a hands-on mock committee experience, where students stepped into assigned roles as senators, lobbyists, and advocates. They debated a proposed bill, representing both support and opposition, before participating in a formal committee vote, gaining a real understanding of how legislation is shaped through discussion and deliberation.
The day concluded with a visit to the Old State Capitol, where students explored the historic chamber and reflected on the legacy of Illinois government. It was truly inspiring to see students so engaged throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions and experiencing firsthand how our state government works in action.
Illinois has 2nd Highest Gas Tax in the Nation
Illinois drivers continue to face some of the highest gas taxes in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois’ gas tax is about 66.4 cents per gallon, ranking second-highest in the country, behind only California. While most states levy significantly lower rates, some under 20 cents per gallon, Illinois’ tax burden stands out as a major cost for families and commuters. With additional local and sales taxes layered on top, the total tax paid at the pump is even higher, placing Illinois among the most expensive states to fuel up.
I will continue working to bring greater transparency and accountability to how these tax dollars are spent, ensuring drivers see real improvements for what they pay.
Illinois Flash Index Declined for Third Month in a Row
Illinois’ economy continues to grow, but at a slower pace, as reflected in the March Flash Index declining for the third straight month. While some areas, like individual income tax receipts, remain strong, other indicators, including sales and corporate tax revenues, are showing signs of softening. This trend reinforces the need for responsible budgeting and policies that support long-term economic stability. I will continue working to promote a stronger business climate and ensure Illinois families are not further burdened during periods of slower growth.
Legislation Would Create Tax Credit for Foster Families
Legislation now pending in the Illinois Senate aims to provide financial relief to foster families through a new tax credit to help offset the costs of care.
I am co-sponsoring Senate Bill 2097, which would create an income tax credit of up to $1,000 per foster child for qualified expenses incurred by foster parents caring for children placed through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
According to DCFS data, about 5,800 children are currently in foster care in Illinois. Advocates say stronger support systems are needed, noting that half of foster families leave within the first year and 36 percent of children experience two or more placements.
Under the proposal, families would qualify for the full credit after six months of care, with prorated benefits available for shorter placements. Any unused credit could also be carried forward for up to five years.
Supporters say the measure would help ease the financial burden on foster families and provide added stability for children in care.
Senate Bill 2097 was recently heard in the Senate Revenue Committee.
Madigan Returns to Court in Bid to Overturn Corruption Conviction
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is back in court as he continues his effort to overturn his federal corruption conviction.
Oral arguments in Madigan’s appeal are being heard by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Madigan was convicted in February 2025 on 10 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and related corruption charges tied to a long-running scheme involving Commonwealth Edison. Madigan, who turns 84 later this month, is returning to the courtroom, seeking to have his conviction thrown out.
Madigan reported to federal prison in October 2025 after a judge sentenced him to 7.5 years behind bars. He is serving that sentence at a minimum-security federal prison camp in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Senate Republicans say Madigan’s appeal is another reminder that Illinois still has not enacted the kind of meaningful ethics reforms needed to restore public trust. They continue to call for stronger oversight, tougher anti-corruption protections, and greater transparency in state government to help prevent future abuses of power.
Put the Phone Away, or Pay
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, the Illinois Department of Transportation is partnering with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to remind drivers of a simple message: put the phone away or pay the price.
Throughout the month, officers across the state will be increasing enforcement efforts, watching for texting, social media use and other distractions behind the wheel. State officials emphasize that even a quick glance at a phone can take a driver’s eyes, hands and attention off the road, often with serious consequences.
Between 2020 and 2024, distracted driving crashes in Illinois resulted in 253 deaths and more than 28,000 injuries. In 2024 alone, distracted driving accounted for 51 fatalities.
Illinois law prohibits drivers from manually using electronic devices while driving, and safety officials urge motorists to silence notifications, rely on passengers when possible, or pull over safely before checking their phones.
The campaign serves as a reminder that no message is worth a life, and that safe driving starts with full attention on the road.
Illinois Ranks High for Cyber Crime Complaints, Financial Losses
Illinois recorded one of the highest totals in the country for cyber crime complaints last year, according to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report.
The report shows Illinois ranked fifth nationwide in complaints and eighth in reported losses in 2025. Illinois residents filed 32,977 complaints, with total losses reaching $535 million. That marks an increase from the $479 million reported in 2024.
Across the country, reported losses tied to cyber-enabled crime climbed to over $20 billion in 2025, up from $16.6 billion the year before.
The FBI says cyber threats are continuing to grow and change, especially as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence become more widely used. In response, the agency is encouraging stronger cybersecurity practices for both individuals and organizations.
To improve preparedness, the FBI launched Operation Winter Shield, a public awareness campaign highlighting steps organizations can take to improve resilience against cyber intrusions, including:
- Adopt phish-resistant authentication
- Implement a risk-based vulnerability management program
- Track and retire end-of-life technology on a defined schedule
- Manage third-party risk
- Protect security logs and preserve them for an appropriate time period
- Maintain offline immutable backups and test restoration
- Identify, inventory, and protect internet-facing systems and services
- Strengthen email authentication and malicious content protections
- Reduce administrator privileges
- Exercise your incident response plan with all stakeholders
For more on Operation Winter Shield, click here.
Property Tax Seminar
Join me for an informative Property Tax Seminar on Monday, May 4 from 7:00–8:00 p.m. at Roanoke United Methodist Church.
He will be joined by Woodford County Supervisor of Assessments Janet Gibbs to help break down everything you need to know about your property taxes. Whether you’re looking to better understand exemptions, learn how to file an appeal, or get answers to your specific questions, this seminar is for you.
Attendees will:
• Learn about available tax exemptions
• Understand the assessment appeal process
• Have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A
If you have questions about your property, feel free to bring a copy of your tax bill and most recent assessment.
We hope to see you there!
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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.
Yours truly,
Senator Chris Balkema