Chris Balkema

Several local governments in Central Illinois are looking to create their own data center regulations as lawmakers have yet to take action regulating this emerging industry. Data centers are seen as key to fueling an AI revolution. Critics worry they could drain water and electricity supplies that are needed to power them.

Democratic lawmakers mostly support the proposal, but have concerns about higher education funding. Republicans have concern about increases in taxes and increased spending.

Illinois municipalities face confusion on whether the Illinois election code allows for the implementation of ranked choice voting. Illinois lawmakers introduced a bill that would clarify how local governments can implement ranked choice voting.

Lawmakers have concerns about increasing higher education funding this year, with a tight budget. They are waiting for more information to decide on a change to the funding model.

The Clean and Reliable Grid Act aims to expand the state’s energy capacity in hopes of lowering energy prices. Here's what Central Illinois lawmakers say about the new law.

Chris Balkema won a special election last year in the 53rd Senate District, a large, mostly rural district north of Bloomington-Normal. It stretches from the Peoria area to the Indiana border.

Many new lawmakers come to government with big dreams but often find they have little power. This is how several first-time Central Illinois lawmakers learned how to enact change in their own ways.

State senators voted unanimously, 55-0, this week to ban carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer. That's the sole source of water for nearly 1 million people in the region, including much of McLean County.

After months of community engagement, the Illinois House and Senate are endorsing a bill that would ban carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer.

State Sen. Chris Balkema, who represents northern McLean County and parts of Livingston County, was sworn into office Wednesday on the refurbished Illinois Senate floor.