SPRINGFIELD, IL- Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) held a press conference today to voice concerns over Governor Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate Illinois townships, warning it would lead to higher property taxes and fewer local services.
“While I support government consolidation when it makes sense, this one-size-fits-all approach is not the answer,” Balkema said. “It shifts the financial burden to counties, leading to higher taxes for families who are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation.”
Balkema, a former county board chairman, emphasized in many areas townships provide essential services efficiently and locally and may be the best system in those communities. In other areas it may make sense to consolidate units of government. Senator Balkema stresses that it needs to be a local decision because the voters of the community need to be the ones deciding what is best for them.
Balkema introduced SB 1347, a smarter, more localized approach to consolidation. “SB 1347 puts decision-making in local hands, allowing communities to decide what’s best for them, rather than forcing a blanket mandate from Springfield,” he said. “It provides a transparent, thoughtful process that ensures consolidation only happens when it genuinely benefits taxpayers and preserves vital services.”
Balkema’s bill offers an alternative to the Governor’s plan, focusing on local input and reducing the burden on taxpayers. It’s a responsible way to achieve government efficiency without sacrificing the services Illinois communities rely on.
You can watch the full press conference here https://youtu.be/hMVBfe0ABu8