May you have a joyous Christmas Day filled with your favorite traditions and surrounded by loved ones. Merry Christmas!

In this issue: Illinois unemployment rate for September was 4.4% Figures on unemployment in Illinois were delayed due to the 43-day federal government shutdown this fall, but the numbers which…

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced upcoming overnight closures on I-57 at the Illinois 54 interchange starting Tuesday, Dec. 16 (weather permitting). I-57 will be closed from 6 p.m….

In this issue: Income tax revenue up, sales tax revenue down The latest report on state tax revenue found two of the largest sources of tax revenue moving in opposite…

Proud to join my colleagues at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Chicago! Grateful for the chance to keep advocating for agriculture and our rural communities in Springfield. Nothing…

In this issue: Still waiting for details on spending cuts Back in October Governor Pritzker issued an executive order instructing state agencies to identify areas of their current fiscal year…

I was grateful for the awesome invitation from Cub Scout Pack 4877 in Dwight! I had such a great time speaking with your club and seeing all the excitement you…

I hope that you and your loved ones have a very happy Thanksgiving. Whether we are celebrating friends, family, a good year on the farm, a graduation, or any number…

In this issue: Watseka schools bill passes On the final day of the fall veto session the House and Senate passed a bill which Senator Balkema and I sponsored to…

Our district is home to some truly remarkable agricultural women, and I’d be thrilled to see a local family honored with this award! Illinois Agri-Women created the “Generations of Women…