Summer Survey 2025

First Name

Last Name

Home Address

Street 1 Street 2 City State Zip

Email Address*

Cell Phone () -

1. In your opinion, what is the number one issue the General Assembly needs to address immediately?

2. My office can often help when a constituent has an issue with a state agency or other units of government. Are there any issues where we could be of assistance?

3. Governor Pritzker just signed/pushed through a budget that contains nearly a billion dollars in tax increases, gimmicks, and one-time revenues. The Governor has increased state spending by nearly 40% since he was elected. Do you believe Illinois should cut spending and live within its means before asking families to pay higher taxes?

Yes, the state should cut spending before raising taxes on families

Maybe, depending on what the spending is for

No, I support the current spending levels even if it means higher taxes

4. Under Governor Pritzker, Illinois has been spending roughly $1 billion per year on programs (including free healthcare) for illegal immigrants.

I oppose using taxpayer dollars for non-citizen programs

I support limited emergency or humanitarian aid

I support expanding services for all, regardless of status

5. Illinois Democrats proposed a $1.50 tax on nearly all deliveries to help fund the Chicagoland transit system. Do you support paying $1.50 on all delivered items?

Yes, I support paying $1.50 on all delivered items

No, I do not support paying $1.50 on all delivered items

Undecided

6. Do you support nuclear energy?

Yes

No

7. What best describes your view on Second Amendment rights in Illinois?

Illinois already has too many restrictions on gun ownership

I support protecting the right to legally own and carry firearms, including commonly owned rifles

I support additional restrictions, like stronger background checks, waiting periods, and an assault weapon ban

8. Do you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice?

Pro-life

Pro-choice

9. Legislation is pending in the General Assembly that would allow individuals with certain terminal illnesses to receive a prescription to end their lives unsupervised. Do you believe patients should have this ability?

Yes, I believe terminal patients should have this ability

No, I do not believe terminal patients should have this ability

10. What is your biggest financial pressure right now? (Check all that apply.)

Grocery and household costs

Childcare or after-school care

Healthcare or prescriptions

Gas and utility bills

Property taxes

College or student loans

Saving for retirement

Other (please specify)

Other:

11. Should transgender individuals be allowed to use facilities (including restrooms and locker rooms) that match the gender that they identify with?

Yes, they should be allowed

No, they should not be allowed

Undecided

12. Do you believe parents have the right to homeschool their children without government interference?

Yes, I believe parents have the right

No, I do not believe parents have the right

13. Earlier in the year, legislation was discussed which would ban schools from using native American imagery and names for mascots and team names.

Yes, the state should enact this ban

No, the state should not enact this ban

14. What are the most important issues facing your family? (Check all that apply.)

High taxes and cost of living

Crime and public safety

Education and parental rights

Job opportunities and economic growth

Government spending and waste

Roads, traffic, and infrastructure

Immigration and border security

Other (please specify)

Other:

15. What concerns you most about education in Illinois?

Declining academic performance

Lack of curriculum transparency

Teacher shortages

Not enough career/vocational training

Unequal funding across schools

Support to homeschool my children

16. How confident are you about staying in Illinois long term?

Very confident – I see a future here

Somewhat confident – But the cost of living is a concern

Not confident – I’ve considered leaving

17. Are you a member of a union?

Yes, I am a member of a trade union

Yes, I am a member of a public sector union (government employee, teacher, police/fire, etc.)

No, I am not a member of a union

18. If you are a member of a public sector union, are you part of the Tier I or Tier II pension system?

Tier I

Tier II

Does not apply

19. Do you have any additional comments or concerns you’d like to share?

20. Would you like to subscribe to Senator Balkema’s weekly e-newsletters?

YesNo

21. Would you like to receive occasional text messages from Senator Balkema? You can opt out at any time.

YesNo