Illinois State Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac)
State Government: Elected Officials | Elected State Senators
Recent News About Illinois State Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac)
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Senator Balkema discusses budget cuts, education plans, NASA selection
Governor JB Pritzker has issued an executive order requiring state agencies to set aside up to 4% of their Fiscal Year 2026 budgets, limit non-essential spending, review hiring practices, and prepare reserves.
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Senator Balkema meets with 54 state agencies to review transparency and efficiency
Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) has held meetings with leaders from 54 state agencies since taking office, as part of an initiative to improve transparency and efficiency in Illinois government.
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Illinois State Sen. Chris Balkema addresses harvest safety, tax amnesty program
Friends, family, and supporters gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21 to honor the life of Charlie Kirk.
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Veterans Day display seeks stories for Illinois Capitol tribute
Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema has announced a call for submissions to the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda.
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Balkema addresses violence against political figures; updates on immigration enforcement and community programs
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during an attack at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
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Illinois Sen. Chris Balkema’s staff schedules office hours in Eureka
Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema's district staff will be available in Eureka on Wednesday, September 17, to meet with community members.
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Illinois Department of Transportation opens applications for fall harvest permits
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which are available at no cost to farmers and agricultural haulers.
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Illinois opens applications for $6 million small equipment grants for emergency services
The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has opened the application period for its Small Equipment Grant Program.
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Balkema appointed to legislative audit commission overseeing state agency accountability
State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) has been appointed to the Legislative Audit Commission, a bipartisan group composed of members from both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives.
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Chris Balkema supports legislation aimed at stabilizing Illinois’ energy grid
Rising energy costs are affecting families across Illinois, according to State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac).
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Illinois Sen. Chris Balkema highlights back-to-school tax credits and new energy assistance
Illinois families and educators are being reminded of tax credits available to help with the costs of the new school year.
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Illinois Senate Republican Caucus seeks legislative assistant for team
The Illinois Senate Republican Caucus has announced an open position for a Legislative Assistant.
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Balkema works on business-friendly legislation; criticizes new college aid law
Protecting the local economy has become a focus for Illinois State Sen.
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Senator Balkema’s bill introduces digital signatures for Illinois local governments
Illinois residents will soon have improved access to local government services following the signing of State Senator Chris Balkema’s (R-Channahon) first bill into law.
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Balkema highlights survey on gerrymandering concerns; announces new law improving government access
Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema has released results from a recent survey indicating that a large majority of Illinois residents believe the state’s legislative maps are gerrymandered.
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Balkema reports constituent opposition to vehicle miles traveled tax proposal
Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac) has reported strong opposition among constituents to a proposed Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) tax pilot program in Illinois.
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Senior expos announced as Balkema addresses new firearm law
Seniors in Illinois’ 53rd Senate District are invited to attend two upcoming Senior Expos, co-hosted by State Senator Chris Balkema and other local lawmakers.
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Chris Balkema highlights school funding reform support and calls for governor's veto of SB 328
Over 87 percent of respondents to a recent survey by Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema indicated support for shifting more school funding from local property taxes to centralized state funds.
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Balkema and Tipsword invite residents to free senior expo in Pontiac
State Senator Chris Balkema and State Representative Dennis Tipsword are inviting residents of their districts to a Senior Expo.
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Illinois ranks last in financial transparency; electricity rates rise
Today, July 21, a live town hall will be held at 6:00 p.m. featuring State Representatives Dennis Tipsword and Jason R. Bunting.