Hi everyone! I hope you had a great week, as always. This week’s topics include:
- Around the District: Wenona Days
- Finding Grant Opportunities
- What Illinoisans Are Most Concerned About
- School Funding Gap
- Transit Bailout Tax Increase
- Upland Game Hunting Permits
- Rebuilding Grundy County
- Upcoming Events
Around the District: Wenona Days
I had a great time attending Wenona Days this past weekend. It was great to see the community come together, enjoy some live music, and celebrate the summer with friends and neighbors. Many thanks to Mayor Janie Bade, the City Council and the Wenona Chamber of Commerce for their fantastic leadership in the community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Wenona Days a great community event!
Finding Grant Opportunities
I often hear from local organizations, communities and residents looking for help finding grant opportunities. You asked, so we made it easier!
I’ve added a new Grants & Funding Opportunities page to my website with direct links to Illinois state agencies that offer grant programs, all in one place.
Whether you’re looking for funding for a community project, infrastructure, transportation, public safety or other local needs, I encourage you to take a look. You may find an opportunity that’s a great fit for you or your community.
Visit my website at www.senatorchrisbalkema.com and find Grant Opportunities under the “Resources” tab. Explore the available programs and see if you can find an opportunity that may benefit you, your organization or your community.
One of the latest opportunities is the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), which provides funding for eligible transportation and community improvement projects.
What Illinoisans Are Most Concerned About
A recent survey of 517 likely Illinois voters gives us a good look at what residents see as the biggest issues facing our state. High taxes ranked as the top concern, with more than half of respondents identifying taxes as an issue, followed by the economy at 41%. Economic concerns have also increased significantly, rising from 24% at the beginning of 2025. Read more here
The survey also shows significant dissatisfaction with property taxes. More than 61% of respondents said they were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the value they receive for the property taxes they pay, while fewer than 24% said they were satisfied.
These numbers are a clear reminder that affordability and economic growth must remain priorities in Illinois. I am pushing legislation to address these challenges, including SB1546, which would limit growth in state spending; SB1304, which would eliminate first-year licensing and registration fees for new businesses; SB1505, which would extend the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit; and SB3938, which would address property tax burdens.
My Illinois Economy Presentation outlines these and other solutions aimed at lowering costs, encouraging job creation, and making Illinois more competitive.
School Funding Gap
Illinois is increasing public school funding by another $350 million this year, but the state’s overall adequacy gap is still growing. Please see Illinois Education Facts & Data for more details. The statewide gap has reached $6.8 billion, up from $4.8 billion three years ago. One major factor is the decline in Corporate and Personal Property Replacement Tax revenue, which had surged between 2022 and 2024 before falling sharply. Rising costs and changes in the number of students identified as low income are also putting additional pressure on the formula. Read more here.
Transit Bailout Tax Increase
The state’s transit bailout comes with a new 0.25% sales tax increase for certain counties in the Chicago region. The increase is part of the legislation intended to provide additional funding for the region’s public transit systems and will take effect January 1, 2027.
While the bailout provides additional funding for transit, it also means another tax increase for residents and businesses in the affected counties. It is important for taxpayers to understand how the legislation will impact their wallets and what they are being asked to pay as part of the state’s plan to address the transit system’s financial challenges.
Upland Game Hunting Permits
For Illinois hunters, the application period for the free Upland Game Hunting Permit lottery is open through August 31. The permits apply to select IDNR sites and are used to manage hunting opportunities for upland game. IDNR also offers controlled pheasant hunting opportunities at select locations. Hunters interested in participating should make sure to submit their applications before the August 31 deadline. Instructions for applying here.
Rebuilding Grundy County
Rebuild Illinois is continuing to make major investments in Grundy County, with 12 projects representing a combined $264 million investment in the region. These projects include improvements to I-80, U.S. 6, Illinois 47, Illinois 53 and several bridges throughout the county. Five of the projects are expected to be completed this year, while additional work is scheduled to begin in 2027.
These improvements will help make our roads and bridges safer and more reliable while supporting local businesses and economic growth. I am excited to see these projects move forward and look forward to seeing the results for families and communities throughout Grundy County.
Upcoming Events
I have a few upcoming events I wanted to share, and I’d love to see you at one of them if you’re able to make it out!
Tuesday, September 1 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Shore Acres Clubhouse, 100 Park Blvd., Chillicothe
Join Senator Li Arellano Jr. and me to discuss this year’s legislative session, new laws and issues affecting our communities.
Tuesday, September 15 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Virtual event
Learn about FAFSA, Illinois financial aid, eligibility requirements and other resources for paying for college.
RSVP required: Email Michaelene at MOldenettel@sgop.ilga.gov.
Wednesday, September 30 | Noon to 5 p.m.
El Paso City Hall
Join Representative Dennis Tipsword and me to help support local patients in need.
Appointments: Schedule a donation or call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401.
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