Early this morning at 4:45, the Illinois Senate concluded its spring legislative session by passing the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state budget after another long and hectic final stretch in Springfield.
I want to provide an update on several important measures that advanced during the final days of session, share my concerns about the state budget that was approved, and highlight some of the issues I continue to fight for on behalf of the residents of the 53rd District.
Topics below include:
- Senator Balkema Issues Statement on the $56 Billion Budget Passage
- Gas Tax “Surplus” & Non-Citizen Spending
- Fighting for Budget Transparency in Springfield
- Special Guest at the Capitol – My youngest son, Max!
- Illinois Spending Continues to Outpace Revenue
- Explore Our Property Tax Heat Map
- Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66 in Illinois
Senator Balkema Issues Statement on the $56 Billion Budget Passage
Families across Illinois are feeling it in every direction. Property taxes keep going up, energy costs continue to rise, and the cost of gas is higher than ever with the state’s ongoing tax increases. At the same time, Illinois continues to lose people and businesses to other states that are more affordable and more competitive.
Instead of addressing these challenges, the Democrat’s budget doubles down on the same failed approach: growing government, increasing spending, and expecting working families to shoulder the burden.
Since the Governor took office, state spending has surged 40% while Illinois families have seen little relief. The result is predictable. Fewer opportunities, continued outmigration, and a cost of living that keeps pushing people out of our state.
Not to mention, we are told there is about $150 million in “surplus” fuel tax revenue, but that so-called surplus is just higher taxes automatically collected from Illinois drivers at the pump through double taxation that increases with gas prices. Rather than that surplus of $150 million going back to taxpayers, it is being spent on programs for non-citizens, like healthcare and welcome centers.
Illinois needs a budget that prioritizes taxpayers, reins in spending, and makes it more affordable to live and work here. Unfortunately, this is not that budget, and I voted NO.
Gas Tax “Surplus” & Non-Citizen Spending
In the state budget, there is approximately $150 million labeled as “surplus” motor fuel sales tax revenue, but this is not surplus in any meaningful sense. It is revenue generated directly from Illinois drivers who are already paying higher prices at the pump. In practice, fuel in Illinois is taxed twice.
First, there is the Motor Fuel Tax, which is intended to fund roads and bridges. On top of that, the state applies a sales tax based on the total price of gasoline, including the fuel tax itself. That means when gas prices rise, state revenue automatically increases through the sales tax, without any vote from the legislature, without any change in law, and without any new policy decision.
The result is predictable: higher pump prices lead to higher automatic tax collections. That raises a straightforward question: what should be done with that additional revenue? Rather than returning it to taxpayers who are already dealing with record-high costs, the revenue is absorbed into ongoing spending commitments.
At the same time, when examining broader state expenditures, including healthcare services and welcome center programs tied to non-citizen populations, approximately $150 million in spending appears in this category. For many taxpayers, this creates a simple concern: while they are paying more at the pump, additional funds are being directed into expanding program costs elsewhere in the budget.
Meanwhile, the proposed “relief” at the pump comes in the form of delaying the next scheduled increase in the motor fuel tax. On paper, that is presented as savings for drivers.
In reality, it amounts to just a little over a penny per gallon. A penny is an amount so small that they don’t make pennies anymore. That is not meaningful relief. That is not serious tax policy.
If there is truly surplus revenue being collected from drivers at the pump, it should be returned to the taxpayers who paid it, not permanently absorbed into baseline government spending year after year.
Fighting for Budget Transparency in Springfield
Illinois families deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent before lawmakers vote on a multi-billion-dollar state budget.
That is why I filed Senate Bill 4211, legislation designed to improve transparency and accountability in the state budgeting process and provide lawmakers and taxpayers with more time and better information to review spending proposals before final votes are taken.
For too long, Illinois budgets have been rushed through the General Assembly in the final hours of session, with thousands of pages filed just hours before lawmakers are asked to vote. Taxpayers, lawmakers, and the public deserve a budgeting process that is open, transparent, and allows adequate time for review and discussion.
SB 4211 would require supplemental budget documents to be publicly available whenever large appropriations packages are amended, helping lawmakers and taxpayers better understand spending changes before final passage.
The legislation aims to:
- Increase public access to budget information
- Improve transparency surrounding appropriations changes
- Strengthen accountability in Springfield
- Give taxpayers greater insight into how state funds are spent
I believe responsible government starts with transparency and informed decision-making. Illinois residents should never be asked to trust a process they are not allowed to see.
Special Guest at the Capitol
I had the privilege of having my youngest son, Max, visit the Capitol with me on Saturday, which also happened to be my birthday. It was a special day to share with him, and he got a firsthand look at all the action during the final days of session. From seeing the legislative process up close to experiencing the energy and excitement around the Capitol, it was a memorable experience for both of us and one I’ll always cherish.
Illinois Spending Continues to Outpace Revenue
Illinois is projected to spend billions more than it takes in over the coming years, raising concerns about long-term fiscal stability and the potential for additional tax burdens on working families.
Even though Springfield passed another record-breaking state budget, I will continue to advocate for responsible spending, structural reforms, and greater government accountability. Illinois must prioritize long-term financial stability instead of relying on short-term budgeting practices that leave taxpayers on the hook.
Read more at Illinois Policy.
Explore Our Property Tax Heat Map
Property taxes remain one of the top concerns for families across the 53rd District and throughout Illinois.
To help residents better understand how property taxes vary across communities, I am highlighting the new Property Tax Heat Map tool.
The interactive map allows residents to:
- Compare property tax burdens across Illinois
- View trends by region and county
- Better understand how local tax rates impact homeowners
I encourage you to explore the tool and respond to this email with your feedback. You can access the Property Tax Heat Map here.
Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66 in Illinois
Illinois is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66, and a new grant program will help preserve and promote one of the state’s most iconic travel corridors.
The Route 66 Grant Program will support projects that:
- Promote tourism along Route 66
- Preserve historic landmarks and attractions
- Educate visitors about Illinois history
- Support local communities and small businesses along the corridor
The program is designed to celebrate Illinois’ important role in the history of Route 66 while encouraging economic development and tourism across the state.
As the centennial celebration approaches, I look forward to supporting efforts that showcase Illinois communities and preserve the legacy of America’s most famous highway.
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