Hi everyone! I hope you’ve had a great week, as always. As we head into September and the start of a new season, I’m excited to share this week’s updates and highlights. This week’s topics include:
- Leading with Love
- SBA Disaster Assistance Available in Cook County
- Honored to Receive Farm Bureau Activator Award
- Tax Relief for Illinoisans Affected by Severe Weather
- Visiting Grainland Farms
- Visiting Heartland Community College
- Celebration Woodford County Agriculture
Leading with Love
Since I was sworn into office in January 2025, I’ve thought a lot about the kind of leader I want to be and the principles that should guide my work in the Illinois Senate.
After many conversations with people I respect, one phrase kept coming back to me: Leading with Love.
I know some people may hear that and think it sounds too soft. But I believe the opposite is true. We are not going to get things done in Illinois by pushing people around, scoring political points or chasing headlines. We get things done by standing firm on our principles, listening to the people we represent and treating others with respect and compassion.
The people who sent me to Springfield expect me to fight for what I believe is right, and I will. Sometimes that means being assertive, speaking up when something doesn’t make sense and demanding action. But we can do all of that with love.
That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring to this office. Calm, compassionate and respectful, but never afraid to stand firm.
I think of Abraham Lincoln, who led our country through one of its most difficult chapters. He understood that strength and compassion are not opposites. They can, and should, exist together.
So I’m moving forward with Leading with Love as my guiding principle. It will be reflected in our website, our work and the way I serve the people of Illinois.
I’m excited about what we can accomplish together, and I welcome your thoughts and feedback on what it means to lead with love in our communities and our state.
SBA Disaster Assistance Available in Cook County
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Cook County to help businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by the severe storms on July 27. SBA representatives can answer questions, explain available assistance, and help residents complete applications.
The center is located at the Pullman Branch Chicago Public Library, 11001 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60628. It is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center will close permanently at 4 p.m. on September 4.
Eligible applicants may qualify for disaster loans to repair property, replace personal belongings, or cover economic losses. The deadline to apply for physical property damage is October 19, 2026, while the deadline for economic injury assistance is May 18, 2027.
Learn More and Apply Through the SBA
Honored to Receive Farm Bureau Activator Award
I am honored to be part of the Farm Bureau team and grateful to receive the Farm Bureau Activator Award. I am proud to work alongside an organization that continues to advocate for Illinois agriculture, our farmers, and the families and communities who depend on it. I look forward to continuing our work to support agriculture across Illinois.
Tax Relief for Illinoisans Affected by Severe Weather
Illinois is providing temporary tax relief to individuals and businesses in 15 counties affected by severe weather this summer, including torrential rain, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes. The relief allows eligible taxpayers who were unable to file or pay their taxes on time because of the storms to request a waiver of penalties and interest. McLean County is included for severe weather occurring August 13–16.
Taxpayers seeking relief should submit a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue explaining why the storms prevented them from filing or paying on time. The request should include their name, account number or last four digits of their Social Security number, mailing address, and an estimate of when they expect to file or pay. Requests can be emailed to REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov or submitted by mail. Taxpayers who have already been billed for penalties may also request an abatement.
This relief is intended to give families and businesses affected by the storms additional time to recover without facing additional tax penalties and interest.
Learn More About the Tax Relief
Visiting Grainland Farmers
I recently had the opportunity to visit Grainland Farmers and meet with CEO Terry Bline. Grainland Farmers serves farmers across multiple counties with eight locations, providing a range of services to support local agricultural operations. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the organization and the work they do to support farmers and agriculture in our communities. You can learn more about Grainland Farmers and its services here.
Visiting Heartland Community College
I recently visited Heartland Community College’s campus and met with Dr. Keith Cornille, President of Heartland Community College, April Fornero, Director of Heartland Community College Pontiac, and Steve Fast, Assistant to the President for Public Information and Communications. Heartland’s Pontiac campus provides accessible educational opportunities and services to students and residents throughout the area, including courses, tutoring, testing, continuing education, and high school equivalency programs.
I appreciate the opportunity to visit the campus and learn more about the important role Heartland plays in serving students and communities across our district.
Celebrating Woodford County Agriculture
I had a great time at the Woodford County Farm Bureau Appreciation Picnic in Eureka. It was a great evening celebrating Woodford County agriculture and the farmers, families, and community members who make our community such a special place. Thank you to the Woodford County Farm Bureau for hosting and for all you do to support our community.
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