Hi everyone! I hope you’ve had a great week, as always.
This week’s topics include:
- Seeing Innovation at Marquis Energy
- Illinois Continues to Lose Residents and Income
- Blood Drive Makes an Impact
- Inspiring the Next Generation of Agriculture
- Discussing Economic Growth
Seeing Innovation at Marquis Energy
I recently got to visit Marquis Energy in Hennepin to see the new John Deere tractor powered by 98% ethanol. This technology is an exciting example of how Illinois agriculture and the ethanol industry continue to innovate.
Marquis Energy produces more than 395 million gallons of renewable ethanol each year, along with animal feed and corn oil, making it an important part of Illinois’ agricultural economy. Seeing an E98-powered tractor in action was a great look at how homegrown ethanol could play an even bigger role in powering the equipment that keeps our farms moving.
I appreciate the team at Marquis Energy for showing us the work they are doing to advance renewable fuels and support Illinois agriculture.
Illinois Continues to Lose Residents and Income
New IRS data highlights the continued challenge Illinois faces when it comes to keeping residents and their income in our state. In 2023, Illinois experienced a net loss of nearly 56,000 residents and more than $6 billion in adjusted gross income as people moved to other states.
The impact goes beyond the number of people leaving. Illinois lost more income to outmigration as a share of total state income than any other state in the country, with high-income residents accounting for a significant portion of the loss. Those earning more than $100,000 made up about 60% of the net migration loss and took more than $5.5 billion in income with them.
These numbers are a reminder of the importance of making Illinois a place where families, workers and businesses want to stay, grow and build their futures.
Blood Drive Makes an Impact
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent blood drive! Together, 13 donors registered and 12 whole blood donations were collected, producing 36 blood components to help patients in need.
Even more impressive, 11 of the 13 donors were first-time donors. It was great to see so many people step up and give back to our community. Every donation can make a difference for a patient and their family, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and help make this drive a success.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Agriculture
It was great to stop by the Flanagan-Cornell FFA Ag Expo this morning! FFA students welcomed kindergarten through fourth grade students for a hands-on morning learning about agriculture and where their food comes from.
Students got to explore everything from insects and wildlife to trees, apples, and corn while learning more about the important role agriculture plays in our communities.
A big thank you to FFA Leader Jessica Chipman and the entire Flanagan-Cornell FFA chapter for putting together such a great event and helping introduce the next generation to agriculture!
Discussing Economic Growth
It was great to have the opportunity to hear from the Federal Reserve Chairman today and discuss the state of our economy and what it will take to encourage continued growth.
Thank you to Tom Bennett for inviting me on behalf of the Gibson Area Economic Development group. I also enjoyed spending time with Bob Flider, Senior Director of Community and Government Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a former state legislator.
My biggest takeaway from the discussion was the importance of creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can grow, invest and create new opportunities. Continued economic growth is essential to the future of our communities, and we need to make sure Illinois is positioned to support both large employers and small businesses.
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