Charlie Kirk Memorial
On September 21, 2025, friends, family, and thousands of supporters gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. During the service, Charlie’s wife Erika shared powerful words of forgiveness: “That young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not to hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
I agree with her. We must lead with love, even as we stand firm in the principles that guide us. Compassion and grace toward those who see the world differently are not signs of weakness, but of strength — and it is in that spirit that we honor Charlie’s legacy.
Harvest Season Safety: Watch for Farm Equipment and Fire Risks
As harvest season moves into full swing, farmers across Illinois are back in the fields working long hours to bring in their crops. With more large equipment on the move, drivers are reminded to use extra caution on rural roads. Slow-moving tractors and combines are common this time of year, and a little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
According to a University of Illinois-Chicago study, from 2018 to 2023, an average of nearly 530 crashes per year involving agricultural vehicles were reported as taking place on Illinois roadways.
I believe harvest season is a time to recognize the hard work of our farmers, but also a moment to increase caution on rural roads. I urge motorists to slow down, give large equipment plenty of space, and for farmers to use visible lights and signals so everyone can stay safe during this harvest season.
Limited Time, Eliminate Tax Debt and Pay Zero Interest
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is offering Illinois taxpayers reprieve this fall.
Those with outstanding tax liabilities from qualifying dates will get late penalties and interest forgiven. Penalties and interest on unpaid taxes from the period between June 30, 2018, and July 1, 2024, are eligible for the amnesty.
Eligible tax liabilities and returns must be paid and filed in full between October 1 and November 17 to qualify for the waiver of penalty and interest. IDOR does not collect property taxes. Estate, franchise, and insurance taxes also do not fall under IDOR and do not qualify for forgiveness. Illinois taxpayers have the right to appeal IDOR decisions.
IDOR’s last tax amnesty was in October and November of 2019. No future amnesty periods are currently planned in the Illinois Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act. Amendments to the act with additional dates require action from the Illinois General Assembly.
Visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty for full instructions and further resources.
National Surgical Technologist Week
This week we celebrate National Surgical Technologists Week, September 21–27, 2025!
I had the chance to meet with a surgical technologist from our community who reached out to share more about this important career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about the critical role they play in patient safety and care.
The Association of Surgical Technologists is a national, non-profit membership organization with over 55,000 surgical technologists who hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. Surgical techs serve as the surgeon’s co-pilot, providing surgical instruments and supplies during surgery. They have the primary responsibility of maintaining the sterile surgical field and ensuring the surgical team adheres to aseptic and sterile technique.
If you or someone you love has undergone a surgical procedure, a surgical technologist was instrumental throughout the operation. Thank you to all surgical technologists — your commitment, hard work, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Our health care system is stronger because of you.
Remembering Former-Governor Jim Edgar
Jim Edgar, 38th Governor of Illinois from 1991-1999, died on September 14, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Edgar, 79, was a titan of Illinois and Republican politics who dedicated his life to public service. Governor Jim Edgar is heralded for his notable achievements and dedication to bipartisanship. Tackling the state budget deficit, reforms in education, welfare, child protection, and strong leadership during the Great Flood of 1993 are part of his enduring public service legacy.
Beginning as a legislative intern for the Illinois General Assembly, Edgar worked his way through the state government as an Illinois State Representative and Illinois Secretary of State prior to becoming governor in 1990.
After public service, Governor Edgar was involved in public advocacy with programs such as, The Jim Edgar Fellow Program, a fellowship that trains emerging public policy leaders to work beyond boundaries to solve the state’s major challenges.
Visitation services honoring the former governor were held on Friday, September 19, at the Illinois State Capitol, followed by memorial services on Saturday.
Legislative Assistant Job Opportunity
Senator Chris Balkema is looking for a highly motivated leader to serve as a Legislative Assistant! If you’re passionate about serving the people of Illinois and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your cover letter and resume to Mary Lou Frank at mfrank@sgop.ilga.gov.
You can reply to this email if you have any questions about this opportunity.