I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Wishing a belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, and mother figures who play such an important role in our families and communities.
Topics below include:
- Balkema Pushes Back on Proposed Tax Increases and Policy Rollbacks
- Advancing Fair and Responsible IMRF Reforms with SB2826
- Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen School Protections for Victims
- Illinois State Organization National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
- Annual Police Memorial Ceremony Recognizes Officers Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
- Illinois Observes Multiple Appreciation Weeks Honoring Essential Workers
- Comprehensive 211 Services Now Available Statewide
- IRS: Illinois lost $6 billion to outmigration in 2023
- Community Development Block Grant Program
- Chicago Business Activity Returns to Contraction
Balkema Pushes Back on Proposed Tax Increases and Policy Rollbacks
As lawmakers continue debating the state budget and other legislation in Springfield, I remain deeply concerned about several proposals that would increase costs on Illinois families, workers, farmers, and small businesses.
I am opposed to two proposals currently being discussed: Senate Bill 3353, which would create a new tax on digital advertising, and Senate Bill 3796, which would repeal key provisions of the Blue Collar Jobs Act and eliminate the sales tax exemption on biodiesel.
Illinois families are already dealing with rising costs on everything from groceries to fuel to utility bills. The last thing we should be doing is advancing policies that make our state even more expensive.
The proposed digital advertising tax would hit small businesses especially hard. Many local businesses rely on affordable online advertising to connect with customers and compete in today’s economy. Adding another tax only increases their costs and makes it harder for them to grow and succeed.
I’m also concerned about the proposal to eliminate the biodiesel sales tax exemption. Putting the tax back on fuel would increase transportation and operating costs across multiple industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping. Those higher costs eventually get passed down to consumers through higher prices on everyday goods.
In addition, repealing parts of the Blue Collar Jobs Act sends the wrong message to businesses looking to invest and create jobs in Illinois. We should be encouraging economic growth and supporting industries that provide good-paying jobs, not creating more uncertainty and higher costs.
I will continue advocating for you and push for policies that make our state more competitive, affordable, and attractive to employers and families. We need responsible policies that strengthen our economy and protect taxpayers.
Advancing Fair and Responsible IMRF Reforms with SB2826
I was proud to see SB2826 pass out of the Pensions Committee this week. This legislation makes an important update to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) by prohibiting individuals who have earned service credit through IMRF employment from serving on the IMRF Board of Trustees, strengthening conflict-of-interest safeguards. It also allows IMRF retirees greater flexibility to take on part-time employment with different IMRF employers than their previous ones, something currently restricted under existing rules.
Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen School Protections for Victims
I helped advance bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening protections for students who are victims of sexual assault in schools.
Senate Bill 939 establishes a minimum one-year expulsion for students who commit or attempt sexual assault at school or during school-sponsored activities.
The proposal was introduced in response to incidents across the state where students who committed sexual assault were not removed from the school environment, raising concerns about safety and accountability, and generating accusations that the schools were trying to sweep the incidents under the rug.
Supporters of the legislation say the bill creates clear consequences for serious misconduct and ensures schools take appropriate action when these incidents occur.
School boards would have the ability to review the punishment, but would be required to vote on how to handle the situation, making it much more difficult to hide instances of sexual assault.
The goal is to protect victims, support families, and ensure that all students can learn in a safe and secure environment.
The bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support and now moves to the House for further consideration.
Illinois State Organization National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
I was honored to speak at the 130th Illinois State Conference of the Illinois State Organization, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ISO NSDAR), under State Regent Marria Elliott Blinn. The conference highlighted the State Regent’s program, “Illinois Honors America 250!”, and her theme, “Education Rings the Bell for Liberty,” encouraging members to educate, celebrate, and prepare for America’s 250th anniversary. It was a meaningful gathering centered on patriotism, service, and the enduring importance of preserving and sharing our nation’s history, with a shared spirit reflected in the motto and song, “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Annual Police Memorial Ceremony Recognizes Officers Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Law enforcement officers, families, and community members gathered at the Illinois State Capitol on May 7 for the annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial ceremony honoring officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony included a procession of squad cars from agencies across the state and a memorial service recognizing both recently fallen officers and officers whose sacrifices occurred many years ago. During the event, the names of eight officers were formally added to the Illinois Peace Officers Memorial.
Among those honored were Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera and Park Forest Detective Tim Jones, both of whom were killed in 2025 while serving their communities. Six additional historical officers were also recognized for their service and sacrifice.
The memorial ceremony serves as an important reminder of the courage and dedication demonstrated by law enforcement officers across Illinois. Honoring fallen officers ensures their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
The annual memorial brought together officers from around the state in recognition of those who gave their lives protecting their communities and preserving public safety.
Illinois Observes Multiple Appreciation Weeks Honoring Essential Workers
Last week, Illinois recognized Nurses Appreciation Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Correctional Officers Appreciation Week, honoring the dedicated professionals who serve our communities every day.
We took time to recognize nurses for the care they provide to patients and families, teachers for their commitment to educating and shaping the next generation, and correctional officers for the important work they do to help maintain safety and security in our correctional facilities.
These are demanding, often thankless jobs, but they are essential to the well-being, education, and safety of our state.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to recognize their service and to thank all those who dedicate their careers to serving others across Illinois.
Comprehensive 211 Services Now Available Statewide
By dialing 2-1-1, Illinoisans from all 102 counties now have access to free, confidential services by phone. This milestone expands access to a variety of critical resources through a coordinated statewide system designed to connect individuals and families in crisis with vital assistance. The 2-1-1 system can assist with:
- Basic Human Needs like clothing, food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance.
- Legal Support when you need mediation, to understand your landlord-tenant rights, or a legal hotline to get your questions answered.
- Physical and Mental Health Resources that support finding health insurance, accessing Medicaid and Medicare, urgent medical information lines, and critical crisis intervention services.
- Employment Supports for a job search, job training, transportation assistance, or education programs.
- Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities that connect you to adult day care, durable medical equipment, respite care, home health care, and independent living programs – to name a few.
- Support for Children, Youth, and Families around before and after school programs, family resource centers, mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, and youth programs.
- Support for veterans ensuring access to health care, emotional support, continuity of care, and support group resources.
Assistance provided by 2-1-1 counselors is available in many different languages.
IRS: Illinois lost $6 billion to outmigration in 2023
Illinois continued to see significant population and income outmigration in 2023, according to IRS data highlighted by the Illinois Policy Institute. More than 55,000 residents left the state, resulting in an estimated $6 billion in lost adjusted gross income. Much of the departure was driven by working-age individuals and higher earners relocating to states like Florida, Texas, and nearby Midwestern states, contributing to ongoing concerns about Illinois’ competitiveness in retaining residents and its long-term tax base. Read more here.
Community Development Block Grant Program
I wanted to share a brief overview of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG is a federally funded grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports community-based projects in non-metropolitan areas. In Illinois, approximately $56 million is available across four key funding areas, including housing rehabilitation, public infrastructure improvements, community revitalization and economic development, and emergency assistance, helping local communities address critical needs and strengthen long-term growth. Click here to see the full overview.
Chicago Business Activity Returns to Contraction
Chicago’s latest business activity report shows a setback, with the Chicago Business Barometer falling back below the 50-point threshold in April, signaling a return to economic contraction after a brief period of modest expansion. The decline was driven by weaker new orders, production, supplier deliveries, and order backlogs, even as employment showed slight improvement but remained in contraction territory. Overall, the report points to continued economic headwinds in the Chicago region, where business conditions remain volatile and long-term growth challenges persist. Read more here.
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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