McLean County Times

Senator Balkema has voiced opposition to Governor Pritzker's proposal to eliminate townships in Illinois. The Senator warns that this plan could lead to increased property taxes and a reduction in local services. While Balkema supports government consolidation under appropriate circumstances, he argues that the governor's approach imposes financial burdens on counties and should be decided at the local level. To address these concerns, Balkema introduced SB 1347, which emphasizes localized decision-making for government consolidation.

In another development, Republican lawmakers in Illinois have addressed a letter to the Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The letter urges the IHSA to clarify its policies regarding transgender athletes in high school sports. The lawmakers insist that participation should align with federal guidelines, which mandate that women's sports participation is based on biological sex. They are advocating for fairness and competitive balance for women athletes.

Additionally, Senate Bill 2323 aims to enhance Illinois' response to human trafficking through improved support services and coordination among state agencies. Co-sponsored by Senator Balkema, this bipartisan bill adopts a victim-centered approach informed by recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group. Key provisions include coordinated services led by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), expanded training for key agencies, multidisciplinary task forces for law enforcement, and extended legal rights for survivors.

The bill passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee on March 18.