As America celebrated its 250th birthday, we were reminded that our nation’s story is really the story of millions of families, traditions, and communities that have helped shape it.
I hope you enjoyed your weekend and were surrounded by the people who matter most.
This week’s topics include:
- Survey Results: Should Illinois Repeal Its Ban on Consumer Fireworks?
- Several New Laws Took Effect on July 1
- Illinois’ SNAP Error Rate Continues to Climb
- Senator Balkema Continues to Push for Illinois to Opt into Federal Education Tax Credit Program
- Celebrating 100 Years of Martin Equipment
- Sharing Walter’s Light
- District 53 Highlight – Gayle Reno
Survey Results: Should Illinois Repeal Its Ban on Consumer Fireworks?
Last week, I asked for your thoughts on whether Illinois should repeal its ban on consumer fireworks. Illinois is one of only three states that still prohibits the sale and use of most consumer fireworks, leading many residents to cross state lines to purchase them before bringing them back home, despite it being illegal under current law. The response was clear:
- 67% saying Illinois should repeal the ban and allow consumer fireworks
- 33% said the current ban should remain in place for public safety.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s survey. Your feedback helps me better understand where our community stands on important issues and informs the conversations taking place in Springfield.
Several New Laws Took Effect on July 1
While most new laws in Illinois take effect on January 1, some measures are scheduled to align with the start of the state’s fiscal year on July 1. When the calendar turned to July 1 this year, 19 new laws took effect (18 from the 104th General Assembly and 1 from the 103rd General Assembly). Additionally, two other bills with January 1 effective dates included provisions for July 1 compliance. New laws with provisions effective July 1 include:
104th General Assembly
SB 90 (P.A. 104-0450): Expands who may request debt offsets through the Comptroller.
HB 111 (P.A. 104-0464): Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.
SB 408 (P.A. 104-0356): Provides that “Student Permanent Record” shall include a summary of performance for students who received special-education services. The records will be confidential.
SB 618 (P.A. 104-0451): Liquor Omnibus Bill. Among other things, it makes the state’s temporary “cocktails-to-go” law permanent.
HB 862 (P.A. 104-0465): Encourages efficiency by dissolving and merging numerous state special funds.
HB 1226 (P.A. 104-0169): Changes the age for when senior drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test when renewing their driver’s license.
SB 1504 (P.A. 104-0107): Helps ensure that all youth leaving the care of the Department of Children and Family Services have been provided the life skills necessary to become successful adults.
SB 1701 (P.A. 104-0118): Clarifies state laws with regard to collective bargaining for police.
SB 1799 (P.A. 104-0393): Amends the School Code to clarify terms and definitions with regard to “emergency situations.”
HB 1863 (P.A. 104-0435): Cleans up the statutes with regard to non-active commissions and advisory boards.
SB 2201 (P.A. 104-0412): Increases transparency to help provide better insight into the challenges and efforts within correctional facilities to manage contraband, support rehabilitation, and address health emergencies.
HB 2386 (P.A. 104-0216): Provides for the issuance of special license plates designated as “Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.”
HB 2517 (P.A. 104-0061): Requires health care workers who provide maternal health care services to participate in a training course that addresses potential maternal health risk factors associated with individuals who are part of a marginalized racial or ethnic group with increased maternal mortality rates.
HB 2801 (P.A. 104-0249): Requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to post a public form on its website for organizations to submit science, technology, engineering, arts, and math opportunities. These opportunities can include internships, externships, and volunteer work.
HB 2949 (P.A. 104-0466): Budget Implementation Bill.
HB 2962 (P.A. 104-0256): Creates a new classification of driving permit for multifunction school activity buses that carry up to 15 passengers, including the driver.
SB 3019 (P.A. 104-0468): Revenue Omnibus to Fund the Budget.
HB 3363 (P.A. 104-0300): Establishes a comprehensive State Public Defender system in Illinois and creates an independent agency within the judicial branch of state government.
SB 3365 (P.A. 104-0470): Medicaid Omnibus.
HB 3851 (P.A. 104-0338): Establishes that “cyber-bullying” also includes the posting or distribution of an unauthorized digital replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution creates any of the effects provided in the definition of “bullying,” and provides that bullying may take the form of posting or distributing sexually explicit images.
103rd General Assembly
SB 1 (P.A. 103-0594): Creates the Department of Early Childhood.
Illinois’ SNAP Error Rate Continues to Climb
Newly released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows Illinois’ error rate for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to climb, raising concerns about accountability and the potential cost to taxpayers.
According to USDA’s Fiscal Year 2025 data, Illinois’ SNAP payment error rate reached 14.6%, up from 11.56 percent the previous year. The error rate includes both overpayments and underpayments and measures how accurately states determine eligibility and benefit amounts.
Illinois now has one of the highest SNAP error rates in the country. Only Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia reported higher rates in FY25.
The increase comes as the federal government prepares to impose new financial consequences on states with high SNAP error rates. Under new federal rules, states with error rates above 10% are required to repay 15% of the cost of SNAP benefits. States with error rates above 13.5% have until the federal fiscal year 2029 to attempt to correct the errors.
For Illinois, that could mean hundreds of millions of dollars in added costs if the state fails to bring its error rate under control.
Senate Republicans have continued to raise concerns about Illinois’ growing SNAP error rate, arguing that the issue is about transparency, accountability, and protecting taxpayer dollars while ensuring benefits are properly administered for those who truly need them.
SNAP provides food assistance to low-income households to help supplement their grocery budgets.
Senator Balkema Continues to Push for Illinois to Opt into Federal Education Tax Credit Program
After no action was taken during the regular spring legislative session, Senate Republicans are renewing their calls for Governor JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program.
The program would help provide a lifeline for struggling students by offering them the option of attending a school that better fits their individual needs.
The federal program works by allowing taxpayers to receive a federal income tax credit for contributions made to approved scholarship-granting organizations. Those organizations can then provide scholarships to students for certain educational expenses, including tuition, tutoring, after-school programs, ACT and SAT preparation courses, classroom supplies, and specialized services for students with disabilities.
Despite the fact that more than 30 other states are expected to participate in the federal program, Governor Pritzker has refused to opt Illinois in. In response, Senate Republicans introduced legislation to establish a framework for Illinois to participate in the program.
SB 3850 would require the Governor, beginning January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, to submit a list of scholarship-granting organizations to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury so Illinois families can participate in the program.
Senate Republicans are also supporting SB 3776, which creates the Educational Choice for Children Act and directs the Illinois State Board of Education to establish and publish a list of qualified scholarship organizations while ensuring Illinois complies with all federal requirements necessary to participate in the program.
Opting into the program would provide additional support for Illinois families without taking money away from public schools or requiring new state spending. I also want to note that Illinois taxpayers will likely help fund the federal program regardless of whether the state participates, making it important for Illinois students to have access to those opportunities.
Despite this, both measures remained in the Senate Assignments Committee and did not receive a public hearing before lawmakers adjourned for the spring.
Celebrating 100 Years of Martin Equipment
Congratulations to Martin Equipment on celebrating 100 years as a trusted John Deere dealer and a cornerstone of Central Illinois. For four generations, the Martin family has built a legacy of hard work, innovation, and outstanding customer service while supporting our construction, forestry, and agricultural industries.
I’m especially grateful for the leadership of Bobby Martin III and DeLene Martin Bane, the fourth-generation owners who continue to carry their family’s legacy forward. Reaching a century in business is an incredible achievement, and I wish the entire Martin Equipment team continued success for many years to come.
Sharing Walter’s Light
Last night, I was honored to present Dustin and Taylor Heap with Senate Resolution 696, recognizing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness. Their son, Walter, tragically passed away after just five days because of this devastating condition.
In the face of unimaginable loss, Dustin and Taylor have dedicated themselves to raising awareness and working toward a world without NEC. Their advocacy is making a difference for families across Illinois and beyond, and I am grateful for their commitment to this important cause.
I encourage you to take a few moments to read Walter’s story and learn more about the fight to end NEC by clicking here.
District 53 Highlight – Gayle Reno
For more than 40 years, Gayle Reno has been a dedicated volunteer with the Putnam County Food Pantry, making a lasting impact on countless families throughout the community. Over the decades, she has been a steady and dependable presence, helping ensure that those facing food insecurity always have somewhere to turn.
Through both good times and challenging circumstances, Gayle has remained committed to the pantry’s mission. Her dedication was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped keep the pantry operating so families in need would not go without food.
Beyond the many hours she spends working at the pantry, Gayle attends meetings, coordinates with health department officials, organizes food donations, delivers food to homebound residents, recruits youth volunteers, and assists with the Christmas Basket Program. Her service extends beyond the pantry. She remains an active member of her church and regularly contributes to fundraising efforts and community activities.
Gayle’s selfless dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others have strengthened the Putnam County community for generations. Her decades of volunteer service exemplify the very best of community leadership and make her truly deserving of recognition.
Click here to nominate a person, group, organization, business, or community effort deserving of recognition in the 53rd Senate District.
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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