State Senator Chris Balkema

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Weekly Update! 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 this week 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

Read the full update here: https://www.senatorchrisbalkema.com/category/news/
Sign up for weekly updates here: https://www.senatorchrisbalkema.com/e-news/

06/01/2026

Early this morning nearly 4 am we voted on our state’s budget. 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.

Read my full budget statement here: https://www.senatorchrisbalkema.com/2026/06/01/senator-balkema-issues-statement-on-the-56-billion-budget-passage/

05/29/2026

Watch the latest video from Illinois Insider where Mark and I discuss the state of the economy here in Illinois.

State Senator Chris Balkema goes slide by slide breaking down every...

05/27/2026

Do you want to know where your Illinois tax dollars are going?

05/25/2026

Weekly Update! Topics this week include:
• Honoring Our Heroes this Memorial Day
• District Highlights – Anything Happening Near You?
• Legislation to Suspend the Gas Tax
• Expanding Solar on School Rooftops, Protecting Illinois Farmland
• Illinois Must Bring Discipline to State Spending Decisions
• Ensuring Benefits for All Children of Fallen First Responders
• Pritzker’s 57 Tax and Fee Hikes Cost Illinoisans $77 Billion
• IL Has the Highest Unemployment Rate in the U.S.

Read the full update here: https://www.senatorchrisbalkema.com/category/news/
Sign up for weekly updates here: https://www.senatorchrisbalkema.com/e-news/

05/24/2026

As we observe Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives defending our nation. 🇺🇸

The Memorial Day display at our Capitol stands in remembrance of those heroes and the lasting legacy of their service and sacrifice.

05/22/2026

I am proud to co-sponsor SB4205 to temporarily reduce Illinois’ gas tax.
Since 2019, the state gas tax has climbed from 19 cents to nearly 50 cents per gallon through automatic inflation increases, putting more pressure on Illinois families and working drivers.
Illinoisans deserve relief at the pump, not another automatic tax hike.

05/22/2026

Excited to welcome our summer interns! Yesterday, they started training and got to work serving the people of the 53rd District.

From constituent outreach and learning our systems, to reviewing social media plans and preparing for upcoming events like our Senior Fair, these students are already jumping in and making a difference.

I’m looking forward to working with this talented group over the coming months!

05/19/2026

With just two weeks left in session, it’s been great welcoming so many organizations, advocates, and community leaders to the Capitol. These conversations are an important reminder that the work we do in Springfield impacts people and communities across Central Illinois every day. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share your priorities, experiences, and ideas as we work through the final weeks of session.