Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent question about fairness in girls’ sports. Ninety-four percent of you said biological males should not be allowed to compete in girls’ and women’s athletics.
That overwhelming response sends a clear message: This isn’t about politics — it’s about fairness.
Sports help girls build confidence, learn teamwork and discover their strengths. But those opportunities only exist when the playing field is fair. Girls’ sports were created to give female athletes a real shot at success — and that matters at every level, from grade school to college.
Allowing biological boys to compete in girls’ events takes away hard-earned opportunities. If we want our daughters and students to keep dreaming big, we need to protect the spaces where those dreams take root.
I hear you — and I’ll keep standing up for equal opportunity in sports.
Voted ‘no’ on highest budget in state history
On Sunday, June 1, at 1:36 in the morning, the spring 2025 legislative session adjourned and the Illinois Democrats passed the largest budget in state history, totaling over $55 billion:
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats have passed the largest budget in our state’s history, over $55 billion in spending, pushed through without transparency.
This budget is a missed opportunity for efficiency and fiscal responsibility. With no relief, it doubles down on unchecked spending and more taxes on families who are already struggling.
Since Pritzker took office, state spending has increased by nearly 40% in just a few years. Has the average family’s paycheck kept pace? No, it hasn’t. Yet, Democrats continue to raise taxes and expand government without delivering better results — less public safety, fewer opportunities and more people leaving Illinois.
Illinois families deserve better. They deserve a government that respects taxpayers by being transparent, accountable and efficient. That’s why I voted “no” on this budget. Proposed $1.50 delivery tax to bail out Chicago
I voted “no” on the bill that Senate Democrats approved to create a $1.50 delivery tax on nearly every online order: House Bill 3438, which is a bailout for the Chicago transit system.
Once again, Illinois Democrats are hitting hardworking families with new taxes to cover up their own failures.
Whether you need medicine delivered to your door, rely on grocery delivery because you’re juggling work and kids, or order household supplies online to save time — you’ll be taxed.
A tax on everyday necessities to bail out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is the wrong approach. Fortunately, after I voted “no” in the Senate and sounded the alarm, it did not pass the House. But this isn’t over. I will keep fighting for families in our area and pushing back against it.
End-of-life legislation
I’m pleased to share that the end-of-life bill was not called for a vote on the Senate floor before adjournment.
That’s good news! It means that — for now — the bill has stalled, and the serious concerns we’ve raised about its loose language and lack of safeguards have been heard.
But this fight isn’t over.
I remain committed to standing up for vulnerable Illinoisans and ensuring we don’t open the door to policies that lack the oversight, protections and compassion our people deserve.
I’ll keep fighting — and I’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Join me in celebrating our office openings
I’m excited to invite you to join me for a series of open houses on Wednesday, June 11. I’ll be teaming up with state Reps. Jason Bunting and Dennis Tipsword to host events in Dwight, Pontiac and El Paso — all in one day — with the hope of meeting as many of you as possible.
These open houses are a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and pick up materials about state resources and services that might be helpful to you or your family. We’ll have light snacks, coffee and friendly faces ready to welcome you.
I hope you’ll stop by one of the locations — we’d truly love to see you there!
Senate Republicans unveil plan to combat energy bills
With energy prices rising again, I’m calling for immediate action to protect Illinois families from even higher utility bills.
This summer, Ameren Illinois customers could see their monthly bills jump from $37 to nearly $46, while ComEd customers may pay over $118. These increases are tied to capacity shortages and the consequences of failed energy policies.
Families are already overwhelmed by the rising cost of living.
That’s why I’m co-sponsoring a legislative package to improve energy reliability and lower costs across our state:
— Senate Bill 1234 establishes a task force to examine how current state policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), are affecting energy prices and reliability.
— Senate Bill 1235 repeals the forced 2045 shutdown of coal and natural gas plants and allows for new gas peaker plants to meet demand.
— And Senate Bill 1236 streamlines the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s permitting process to fast-track new energy projects, like the long-delayed Lincoln Land Energy Center in Pawnee.
These are smart, necessary reforms to ensure families have access to dependable, affordable energy.
Republicans urge gov. to protect care for vulnerable Illinoisans
I’m urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to reverse his proposed $32 million cut to services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This cut would slash 900,000 care hours, put nearly 10,000 people at risk and eliminate hundreds of jobs, especially in rural areas. Families are already struggling, and this cut would push many to the breaking point, risking a return to institutional care. Recently, my Republican colleagues and I sent the governor a letter demanding he restore this vital funding and protect vulnerable Illinoisans.
Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance at
Capitol
This Memorial Day, we paused to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Their courage, devotion and selflessness will never be forgotten.
My Republican colleagues and I gathered at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday, May 22, to unveil the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance, a tribute to the brave men and women from Illinois who gave their lives in service to their nation.
This solemn display serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of our liberty and the heroes who paid that price.
To reach Chris …
If you need assistance with any state government issue, you can call Balkema’s district offices in Dwight at 815-432-0106 or Pontiac at 815-844-9179. The Dwight district office is at 132 E. Main St., while the Pontiac district office is at 305 W. Madison St. For more information, visit Balkema’s website, senatorchrisbalkema.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram at “Senator Chris Balkema.”