McLean County Times

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. Since Governor Pritzker took office, state spending has increased by nearly 40%. The executive order has received mixed reactions. Some view it as a public relations effort, while others see it as a move toward budget reduction.

Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema asked constituents for their views on the governor’s order. Respondents could choose whether they believe it is "a step in reducing the budget" or "one of his PR stunts."

Balkema also thanked Illinois small business owners who participated in a recent survey about entrepreneurship in the state. He emphasized that small businesses are central to Illinois’ economy and highlighted new taxes under consideration that could impact them. Proposed measures include a $1.50 delivery tax and a digital advertising tax, which may affect all residents but could be especially challenging for small businesses due to added service fees and targeted digital ad taxes. Balkema stated his commitment to advocating for policies that support both families and small business owners.

The Illinois State Board of Education is starting an eight-stop listening tour in October to collect feedback on its draft “Comprehensive Numeracy Plan,” aimed at improving student math performance statewide. The first session will be held on October 16 in Springfield, with further stops planned across several cities and one virtual event scheduled for November 4. Participants can register online, and the board expects to finalize the plan by June 2026.

According to state officials, reading scores for grades three through eight have returned to pre-pandemic levels after implementing the Comprehensive Literacy Plan. However, math scores remain below those from 2019, prompting efforts to update instructional strategies.

Savanna-native Cameron Jones was named one of NASA’s 2025 astronaut candidates after being selected from over 8,000 applicants nationwide. Jones is a U.S. Air Force major with more than 1,600 flight hours and holds degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His training with NASA began this September at Johnson Space Center in Houston; upon completion of the two-year program, he will be eligible for missions including those to the International Space Station and potentially Mars.

Senator Balkema reported meeting with faith communities within his district this week as part of ongoing efforts to gather input from various organizations about issues affecting Illinois and the nation. He encouraged other organizations interested in sharing their perspectives to reach out directly.

Balkema also reminded constituents about an available legislative survey on his website designed to help him represent community interests effectively during increasingly polarized times.

In addition, Senator Balkema announced an opening for a Legislative Assistant position within his office. Applicants are invited to submit cover letters and resumes via email.

Balkema was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 53rd Senate District in 2025 following Thomas M. Bennett's tenure (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?MemberID=3227).