McLean County Times

Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac) provided updates following the conclusion of the General Assembly’s Veto Session, which included debates on several controversial bills. The session extended late into the night, with discussions continuing until 4:30 a.m. on Friday.

Balkema reported that Senate Bill 2111, a transit bill, passed the General Assembly and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. The legislation redirects revenue from the state’s motor fuel sales tax to support Chicago’s transit system. Balkema opposed the measure, stating: “I voted no on Senate Bill 2111, saying the plan raises costs for families who can least afford it and takes more from our communities to cover Chicago’s spending problems. Downstate communities keep Illinois moving. I voted no to protect our roads, jobs, and families. Lawmakers should invest in every region of Illinois, not punish families who already pay more for gas and groceries.”

The senator also expressed disappointment over legislation legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Illinois. He shared his personal experience with hospice care for his parents and criticized what he described as insufficient safeguards in the bill: “It allows lethal drugs to be taken home without supervision, requires no mental health evaluation, and opens the door for doctor-shopping. Genuine compassion doesn’t hand someone a way out, it pulls up a chair beside them and says, ‘You are not alone.’ Illinois should be a state that helps people endure — not escape.”

On energy policy, Balkema raised concerns about an omnibus energy bill that he believes will increase utility costs for residents by removing rate caps and transferring decision-making authority to the Illinois Commerce Commission. He stated: “Our power bills are going to go way up. Once those caps are gone, there’s nothing stopping bills from going through the roof. Families will pay more, local control will be stripped away, and reliability will suffer. Illinoisans deserve a break, not another bill that makes life more expensive. Affordability must come first.” According to Balkema's remarks during this update—his first term after being elected in 2025—there is an estimated $8 billion utility fee increase expected if this legislation is signed into law.

Balkema also criticized Senate Bill 1911—a proposal he described as a tax hike disguised as “decoupling”—which would separate Illinois from federal tax relief measures intended to help businesses recover post-pandemic. He warned that this move could threaten jobs and investment at a time when other states are cutting taxes: “Governor Pritzker and his allies are prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term economic stability. Instead of creating jobs and helping families get ahead, Democrats are choosing yet another tax hike that raises costs, drives away opportunity, and makes it even harder for Illinois families to succeed.”

Addressing House Bill 1312 regarding immigration enforcement cooperation with federal authorities (ICE), Balkema said: “I am deeply saddened and concerned that this legislation puts Illinois families and law enforcement at a huge risk. This new law makes it much harder for officers to target dangerous criminals and penalizes them for taking critical safety precautions... We must pursue policies that make our communities safer, support our law enforcement officers, and ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law.”

Finally, Balkema invited constituents to participate in a community blood drive scheduled for November 12 at his Dwight District Office.

Balkema was elected as a Republican representative of Illinois’ 53rd Senate District in 2025 after succeeding Thomas M. Bennett.