I hope you had a good weekend and are getting back into your back-to-school routines!
- Delivering Results for the 53rd District
- Making Local Government Records Easier to Find
- Illinois’ High Sales Tax Burden
- When a Union Contract Overrides Illinois Law
- Illinois Public School Enrollment Continues to Decline
- IDOT Opportunities for Communities
- Illinois Farmer Mental Health Program Expands Under New Name
- Upcoming Events
Delivering Results for the 53rd District
This summer, I focused on advancing policies that protect taxpayers, improve transparency, support families and strengthen communities across Illinois. From pushing for greater accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent, to working on education reforms, improving public safety and making government services more efficient, I’ve worked to bring the concerns I hear from families and communities in the 53rd District to Springfield. I’m proud of the progress we made this session, but there is still more work to do. I’ll continue fighting for responsible spending, greater transparency and policies that make Illinois a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Illinois’ High Sales Tax Burden
One issue I continue to hear from Illinois families and small businesses is the high cost of doing business in our state. A recent report shows that Illinois ranks near the top nationally when it comes to combined state and local sales tax rates. That means when you buy everyday goods and services, a significant portion of what you pay goes toward taxes.
I believe Illinoisans deserve a tax system that doesn’t make it harder for families to make ends meet or for businesses to grow. We need to take a serious look at how we can make Illinois more affordable and competitive, rather than continuing to add to the tax burden.
When a Union Contract Overrides Illinois Law
A recent report highlights a unique issue in Illinois involving the Chicago Teachers Union and its current contract with Chicago Public Schools. The contract includes provisions allowing students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity, while also stating that teachers will not be required to disclose a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity to parents without the student’s permission.
What makes this especially concerning is that Illinois law allows public-sector collective bargaining agreements to supersede conflicting state and local laws. According to the report, Illinois is the only state where government union contracts have this broad authority. I believe this raises important questions about accountability and whether contracts negotiated by government unions should be able to take precedence over laws passed by elected representatives.
Illinois Public School Enrollment Continues to Decline
Illinois is seeing one of the steepest declines in public school enrollment in the country. This decline matters because fewer students in our classrooms can have a major impact on school districts, staffing and how taxpayer dollars are allocated. As we look at education policy in Illinois, we need to pay attention not only to how much we are spending, but also to how enrollment is changing and whether our resources are reaching the students who need them most.
IDOT Opportunities for Communities
I want to make sure our communities know about two opportunities available through IDOT. The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program has $157 million available for local projects, including bike and pedestrian paths, trails and other improvements that make our communities safer and easier to navigate. Applications are due October 5.
IDOT is also hiring “snowbirds,” with more than 1,500 winter salaried, full-time temporary positions now available. These positions offer seasonal employment and can also provide a pathway to longer-term opportunities with IDOT. Recruitment events and current job openings are available through IDOT for anyone interested in learning more.
View upcoming recruitments here
Making Local Government Records Easier to Find
I believe taxpayers should be able to easily see how their local tax dollars are being managed. House Bill 2137 takes a straightforward step toward greater transparency by requiring local governments, counties and municipalities that already have a public website to provide information directing residents to their audit reports and financial statements through the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. This will make important financial records easier for Illinois residents to find and review, giving taxpayers another tool to stay informed about how their local governments are spending their money. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Illinois Farmer Mental Health Program Expands Under New Name
A statewide program providing confidential mental health support to Illinois farmers and their families has launched a new name and website as it continues expanding its reach.
The Farm Family Resource Initiative, which began as a pilot program serving six counties in 2019, is now known as FARM SOS. The program has grown to serve agricultural communities across all 102 Illinois counties. The rebranding is intended to make the service easier for farm families to recognize and access when they need support.
FARM SOS provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its helpline connects farmers and their families with trained professionals who can provide emotional support and connect callers with additional resources. The program also offers up to six no-cost telehealth counseling sessions for individuals, couples, or groups.
The program is a partnership between the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Illinois Department of Human Services.
Ensuring Illinois farm families have access to resources when they are facing difficult circumstances is an important part of supporting the state’s agricultural communities.
Upcoming Events
I have a few upcoming events I wanted to share, and I’d love to see you at one of them if you’re able to make it out!
Tuesday, September 1 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Shore Acres Clubhouse, 100 Park Blvd., Chillicothe
Join Senator Li Arellano Jr. and me to discuss this year’s legislative session, new laws and issues affecting our communities.
Tuesday, September 15 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Virtual event
Learn about FAFSA, Illinois financial aid, eligibility requirements and other resources for paying for college.
RSVP required: Email Michaelene at MOldenettel@sgop.ilga.gov.
Wednesday, September 30 | Noon to 5 p.m.
El Paso City Hall
Join Representative Dennis Tipsword and me to help support local patients in need.
Appointments: Schedule a donation or call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401.
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