Senator Balkema Resolution Honors Illinois Farmers During Harvest Season
As combines roll through the fields this harvest season, I sponsored Senate Resolution 124, which passed the Senate this week, to commend Illinois farmers for their dedication, perseverance, and continued commitment to feeding families, strengthening communities, and upholding the state’s proud agricultural heritage.
Farmers are the backbone of our state. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois agriculture contributes more than $19 billion to the state’s economy each year and provides jobs to hundreds of thousands of residents. With nearly 75,000 farms covering more than 27 million acres, agriculture remains a cornerstone of Illinois’ identity and success.
Their hard work and long hours don’t go unnoticed, especially during harvest season. This resolution is one small way to recognize their vital role in keeping our communities strong and ensuring families have food on their tables.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
The members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are once again hosting their annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13, providing families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I am encouraging friends and families to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by October 24, to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Illinois Faces New $267 Million Deficit
Illinois is confronting a growing fiscal challenge as newly released projections reveal a $267 million shortfall in the fiscal 2026 budget. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s (GOMB) report warns that without significant changes, the deficit could swell to $2.2 billion by fiscal year 2027.
Since taking office, Governor JB Pritzker has increased state spending by nearly 40 percent, pushing Illinois’ budget to record highs despite warnings from Republican lawmakers.
While he continues to promote new programs and costly initiatives, including state funding for non-citizens, the state’s long-term finances are showing signs of strain. Republicans argue that the Governor’s pattern of unchecked spending and reliance on temporary revenue sources has left Illinois in a vulnerable fiscal situation.
I believe the growing deficit is the latest example of the dangers of overspending and misplaced priorities in Springfield. The state must rein in spending, focus on fiscal responsibility, and protect working families from the long-term consequences of continued budget mismanagement.
Former Speaker Madigan Reports to Prison
On October 13, former Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan, officially reported to federal prison to begin serving his sentence. Madigan was convicted in February 2025 on 10 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and related corruption charges tied to a long-running scheme with utility giant Commonwealth Edison.
In June, a federal judge sentenced Madigan to 7½ years in prison and imposed a $2.5 million fine. His attorneys had sought to delay his prison reporting date while he pursued appeals, but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that motion earlier this month.
Madigan’s fall from power marks the end of one of the most powerful political figures in Illinois history. Yet, despite his conviction, Democrats in Springfield have shown little appetite for real ethics reform.
To help rebuild trust in state government, I’ve signed on as a co-sponsor of several measures to strengthen ethics and accountability, including SB 53, SB 1815, SB 2165, and SB 2355. These proposals focus on closing loopholes, increasing transparency, and ensuring independent oversight so elected officials, myself included, are held to the highest standards of integrity. While no law can erase past wrongdoing, I believe real reform starts with a shared commitment to do better moving forward.