There are 12 days left on the 2026 spring legislative session calendar. My colleagues and I are working to protect taxpayers and push for a responsible budget that supports working families and businesses.
Topics below include:
- Property Tax Relief Package to Address Illinois’ Crippling Tax Burden
- Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session
- Keeping Our Commitment to Illinois Schools
- $2.5M in grant funding available for Economic Empowerment Centers across Illinois
- 2026 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
- Forecasting Illinois Tax Revenue Under Different Scenarios
- April Illinois Flash Index declined for the fourth month in a row
- Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Ticks Up in March
Property Tax Relief Package to Address Illinois’ Crippling Tax Burden
Illinois families are being crushed by rising property taxes, and we are continuing to push for real relief. I was proud to join my colleagues this week to highlight a legislative package focused on lowering costs, improving transparency, and helping seniors stay in their homes.
I’m sponsoring SB 2701 to eliminate unnecessary annual renewal requirements for seniors already receiving the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, cutting red tape for older Illinoisans. I also introduced SB 3243 to modernize how counties share property assessment rolls by allowing them to be posted online, making information more accessible for taxpayers.
In addition, I am co-sponsoring SB 2706, which updates how wind and solar projects are assessed for property tax purposes, and SB 3872, the “Free and Clear Senior Homestead Exemption Act,” which would provide additional property tax relief for qualifying seniors.
Illinois taxpayers deserve a government that works better for them, and I will continue fighting for policies that improve affordability across our state.
You can watch the full press conference here.
Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session
With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers are facing several major issues, including passing the state’s next budget. Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposed $56 billion FY 26-27 budget has drawn criticism from Senate Republicans, who argue it relies on more than $700 million in new taxes and budget gimmicks while families continue to struggle with affordability. My colleagues and I are working to protect taxpayers and push for a responsible budget that supports working families and businesses.
Keeping Our Commitment to Illinois Schools
I am chief co-sponsoring Senate Bill 3701 because I believe Illinois must follow through on the commitments it has made to our schools. This legislation would fully fund Evidence-Based Funding and mandated categoricals, ensuring schools receive the support the state has already promised them. If Illinois fully funded the formula, it would provide roughly $3 billion more to schools statewide, funding that should come from the state budget, not from local property taxpayers.
I strongly believe we need lower property taxes for Illinois families, but I do not support raising taxes to achieve that goal. Instead, we should prioritize spending within our existing $56 billion budget and identify ways to reduce costs. While Senator Guzman and I may come from very different political perspectives, we agree that our schools deserve the funding commitments already made to them. Where we differ is that I believe we can and should accomplish this without raising taxes on hardworking Illinoisans.
$2.5M in grant funding available for Economic Empowerment Centers across Illinois
Illinois is making $2.5 million in grant funding available to create and expand Economic Empowerment Centers across the state. The centers will help residents access job training, financial education, career services, and resources aimed at building long-term economic stability. State leaders say the investment is designed to strengthen local communities and create more pathways to economic opportunity for Illinois families. Interested applicants can register and find more information on the DCEO website.
2026 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
The 33rd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony was held on May 12 in Springfield to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty and recognize those who demonstrated exceptional courage and service. The event included both the memorial service at the Capitol and the Medal of Honor ceremony at the Bank of Springfield Center. Thirteen firefighters received the Firefighter Excellence Award, three received the Medal of Valor, and two were awarded the Medal of Honor, the state’s highest recognition for bravery.
The annual ceremony serves as a reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication shown by the brave men and women who risk their lives in service to the people of Illinois.
Forecasting Illinois Tax Revenue Under Different Scenarios
The projections show Illinois’ economy growing from $1.2 trillion to $1.4 trillion, with increases expected in key revenue sources like individual income taxes, corporate income taxes, and sales taxes. That growth is encouraging, but Illinois cannot afford to settle for steady progress when families and businesses are demanding real economic momentum. A rising tide may float all boats — but Illinois needs a tsunami of growth, investment, and opportunity to truly move our state forward.
April Illinois Flash Index Declined for the Fourth Month in a Row
Illinois’ economic growth continued to slow in April 2026, with the Illinois Flash Index falling to 101.0 from 101.2 in March and down from 102.4 a year ago. While the state economy is still growing, Illinois’ unemployment rate has risen to 5.1% compared to the national rate of 4.3%, widening a gap that did not exist last summer. State tax receipts were strong due to the April filing deadline, but after adjusting for inflation, individual income and sales tax revenues slightly declined, while corporate tax revenues were down more than 10% compared to last year. Read more here.
Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Ticks Up in March
Illinois’ unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.0% in February 2026, while nonfarm payroll jobs decreased by 17,800 jobs compared to January. The largest job losses were seen in construction, trade, transportation and utilities, and information, though government and other services saw modest gains. Compared to a year ago, Illinois had nearly 20,000 fewer payroll jobs, while state officials pointed to broader economic uncertainty and federal policies as contributing factors. Read more here.
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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