Hi everyone! I hope you’ve had a great week, as always.
This week’s topics include:
- Recognized by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
- Farm Safety Week Highlights Importance of Staying Safe During Harvest
- Legislative Inspector General Resigns as Search for Replacement Begins
- Illinois Seeing Significant Decline in Live Births
- Honoring Streator’s Police and Fire Departments
- Illinois Job Growth Raises Serious Concerns
Recognized by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
I’m proud to have received a Green Rating from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) on its 2025-2026 Legislative Report Card. My score placed me among the top quartile of legislators, earning a strong rating from the IMA for my voting record on issues affecting Illinois manufacturers, businesses, and job creators.
The IMA’s Legislative Report Card evaluates lawmakers based on their votes on legislation impacting the manufacturing and business community. I appreciate the IMA’s recognition and will continue working to support policies that encourage job growth, investment, and a strong business environment in Illinois.
Farm Safety Week Highlights Importance of Staying Safe During Harvest
As harvest season gets underway across Illinois, National Farm Safety and Health Week is a good reminder for farmers and drivers to slow down, stay alert and put safety first.
Observed September 21 through 25, the annual week of recognition has focused on improving the health and safety of agricultural workers since 1944. This year’s theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” highlights important topics including farm equipment and roadway safety, health and wellness, cancer prevention, confined spaces and other common agricultural risks.
Harvest season brings longer workdays, heavy machinery and more farm equipment on rural roads. Drivers should be alert for slow-moving vehicles, avoid passing when it is unsafe and give farm equipment plenty of space.
Farmers are also encouraged to take extra precautions when working around machinery, grain bins and other potentially dangerous areas. Taking breaks, getting enough rest and paying attention to overall health are also important during the long harvest season.
More information and farm safety resources are available through the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
Legislative Inspector General Resigns as Search for Replacement Begins
Illinois Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey is stepping down as the General Assembly’s top ethics watchdog, with his resignation effective September 30. The Legislative Ethics Commission plans to appoint an acting inspector general beginning October 1 while it searches for a permanent replacement.
The Legislative Inspector General independently investigates allegations of ethics violations, misconduct, fraud, waste and abuse involving members of the General Assembly and certain legislative employees.
The transition comes as legislative ethics continue to receive attention following several recent controversies involving current and former House Democrats. With renewed focus on accountability at the Capitol, it is important that the office remains independent and effective.
The Legislative Ethics Commission has posted the permanent position, with applications due by October 31.
Illinois Seeing Significant Decline in Live Births – School Districts Need to Adjust
Illinois is experiencing significant declines in the number of live births. According to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state recorded the following live births:
1984 – 179,216
1990 – 195,499
2000 – 185,003
2010 – 164,998
2020 – 133,304
2023 – 124,871
This trend highlights major implications for Illinois Property Taxes. Our public schools will be educating less children in future years. School taxes represent an average of 67% of our property tax bills. It is critical that fixed and variable costs are managed within each of the 851 school districts in Illinois. The goal is to increase the quality of a child’s educations while pursing efficiencies that drive cost reductions. Feel free to reply to this email and provide feedback and suggestions on this topic to me.
Honoring Streator’s Police and Fire Departments
I had the opportunity to visit Streator and present members of the Streator Police and Fire Departments with an award recognizing their service and dedication to the community. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their neighbors, and I’m grateful for all they do for Streator and the surrounding community.
It was an honor to recognize these local heroes and thank them for their commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Illinois Job Growth Raises Serious Concerns
I’m deeply concerned by the latest numbers on Illinois’ economy. While families across our state are working hard to make ends meet, Illinois continues to struggle with unemployment and job growth compared with the rest of the country.
Illinois’ unemployment rate has remained above the national average for much of the past several years, with more than 300,000 Illinoisans currently looking for work. At the same time, our state added less than 1% to its nonfarm jobs between 2018 and 2025, ranking 45th among the 50 states.
These numbers represent more than statistics. They are Illinois families looking for good-paying opportunities, small businesses trying to grow and workers who want to build their futures right here at home.
Illinoisans deserve an economy that creates opportunity. I believe we need to make it easier for businesses to invest and create jobs, reduce unnecessary burdens and pursue policies that help people find work and build a better future in our state.
Upcoming Community Blood Drive
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