McLean County Times

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. Balkema stated, "Relying so heavily on property taxes to fund our schools has created serious inequities and placed a growing burden on families. That’s why I’m committed to exploring solutions that bring greater fairness to the system, including increasing state support for education to reduce pressure on local taxpayers. As I continue working on property tax reform, I’ll keep fighting for policies that ease the financial strain on homeowners while protecting the quality of our schools. Bottom line… we need lower property taxes. Thank you for sharing your input — your voice truly matters."

Senate Republicans have continued their call for Governor J.B. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328. According to Balkema, "This week, we again urged Governor J.B. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, a controversial proposal that would cement Illinois’ status as a judicial hellhole, increasing the burden on job creators and working families." The bill would allow out-of-state plaintiffs to sue out-of-state businesses in Illinois courts if those businesses are registered in Illinois, regardless of whether there is any other connection with the state.

Balkema further commented: "Senate Bill 328 would allow out-of-state plaintiffs to sue out-of-state businesses in Illinois courts, even when the cases have no connection to the state, simply because the business is registered in Illinois. This radical shift would flood the courts with out-of-state cases, slow down justice for Illinoisans, and saddle employers with skyrocketing legal costs."

He also raised concerns about how SB 328 was passed: "These concerns were only compounded by how the legislation was originally passed. Rather than correcting a technical error in the original bill, Democrat lawmakers used a procedural maneuver known as gut and replace. This tactic allowed them to swap out the contents of an unrelated bill just hours before the end of session, avoiding the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule and limiting public input."

Balkema reported that he and his colleagues have filed a lawsuit challenging how SB 328 was passed: "In response, my colleagues and I have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the bill’s passage. That case is currently moving forward in Sangamon County Court, with oral arguments expected in August." He noted that Governor Pritzker has until August 29 to veto SB 328; otherwise it will become law automatically.

Republican lawmakers are also raising alarms over potential penalties related to errors in administering SNAP benefits in Illinois. Balkema said: "Republican lawmakers are calling for increased transparency after recent reports have emerged showing Illinois could owe the federal government over $700 million annually due to high error rates in its administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)."

He added: "SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to help supplement their grocery budgets. However, Illinois has recently been found to have one of the highest error rates in the country, currently ranking worse than 38 other states in payment accuracy." In fiscal year 2024, according USDA data cited by Balkema, Illinois’ error rate reached 11.56 percent—one of nation’s highest—which could require repayment under federal rules.

Balkema called for action: "I am calling for increased transparency and urging the Administration to take immediate action to fix the errors and stop fraud and abuse in SNAP program."

Balkema thanked constituents who participated in his recent live town hall event online: "I appreciate you taking time to tune in ask thoughtful questions stay engaged legislative process Your input helps guide work we do Springfield." He encouraged those who missed it or had additional questions afterward contact his office or view video replay on Facebook.

The senator also announced two upcoming Senior Expo events offering free resources and health screenings at locations including Saratoga Elementary School (Morris) on August 4th with several fellow legislators attending—and Pontiac Parks & Rec Center (Pontiac) on August 6th—with more information available at https://www.senatorchrisbalkema.com/events/.

Balkema began serving as Republican State Senator representing Illinois' 53rd District after being elected in 2025; he succeeded Thomas M. Bennett.