February 03, 2025
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State Sen. Chris Balkema receives committee assignments

First-year senator says assignments align with his goals

By Derek Barichello
State Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, the newly elected Senator for Illinois' 53rd District, was sworn in as part of the 104th General Assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

State Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, is starting his first year in the Illinois Senate and has been appointed to committees. (Photo provided by Calyssa Fuchs )

State Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, is starting his first year in the Illinois Senate and has been appointed to committees.

His committee assignments include Agriculture; Appropriations – Education; Behavioral and Mental Health; Education; Labor; Pensions; and Revenue. Balkema said the assignments align with his aim to support Illinois families and communities.

“These committees give me the opportunity to work on issues I care deeply about, like driving cost reduction, reducing property taxes, supporting agriculture, improving education, and addressing mental health,” Balkema said in a news release. “I’m ready to get to work and deliver real results for our district.”

Balkema represents the 53rd Senate District, which includes La Salle, Livingston, Grundy and Putnam counties.

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Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.