Illinoisans Overwhelmingly Say Maps Are Gerrymandered
Last week, I asked Illinoisans whether they believe the state’s legislative maps are drawn fairly or gerrymandered to favor one political party. The results were clear:
- 95%said the maps are gerrymandered.
- 5%said they are drawn fairly.
These results come as Senate Republicans call out Governor JB Pritzker’s double standard on redistricting.
At an August 2 press conference in DuPage County, Governor Pritzker stood with Texas Democrats to criticize proposed maps in their state, even suggesting Illinois may need to revisit its own and raising the possibility of a special session.
My colleagues and I believe the Governor has no credibility on this issue, pointing to his broken campaign promise to support independent redistricting. In 2021, Pritzker signed partisan maps drawn by Democratic lawmakers, which critics say were designed to protect his party’s control rather than ensure fair representation.
Pritzker’s willingness to weigh in on Texas maps while ignoring his own record exposes a clear double standard. As the national debate on redistricting continues, I want to emphasize that the focus must remain on serving Illinois families and restoring trust in the process — not preserving political power.
Secretary of State Warns of Text Message Scam
Illinois residents are being warned to watch out for a phishing scam disguised as a message from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.”
The scam, which has been circulating for several months, employs alarming language, such as “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” in an attempt to steal personal and financial information. Some messages claim that recipients owe traffic fines and face vehicle suspension or credit damage if they do not respond.
I believe residents should be cautious and avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these messages.
The Secretary of State’s office clarifies that it does not send text messages about driver’s license or vehicle registration status. Legitimate texts from the agency are limited to appointment reminders.
Suspicious messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Senator Balkema’s First Bill Signed into Law to Help Local Governments Better Serve Communities
From the courthouse to your kitchen table, Illinois residents will soon have easier and faster access to the services they need. Governor Pritzker signed my first bill into law. This is a win for taxpayers and local leaders alike. By bringing local government processes into the 21st century, we can cut red tape, save time, and make it easier for residents to get the services they need without sacrificing security.
Senate Bill 2044 gives counties, townships, and municipalities the option to accept secure web-based signatures on official documents. This modernization will reduce delays, improve accessibility, and streamline operations while maintaining strong security standards. By adopting these best practices, local governments can better serve residents, especially those in rural areas, those working non-traditional hours, or those facing mobility challenges.
Illinois was No. 3 for most business moves in 2023
Governor Opens Potential Floodgate to Lawsuit Abuse
Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 328 into law, ignoring repeated warnings from my colleagues and business groups about the dangers of this measure. Allowing anyone in the country to sue any business registered in Illinois, even if the dispute has no connection to our state. This change could increase the number of lawsuits in Illinois courts, affect businesses’ operating costs, and influence decisions about where companies invest and create jobs.
I joined a legal challenge to stand up for transparency, accountability, and working families, but Governor Pritzker still ignored us. Beyond the flawed process, the bill itself threatens jobs, economic growth, and the families who depend on both. Illinoisans deserve fair process and responsible legislation that supports, not hurts, our businesses and jobs.