Dear friend,
For the last 10 years, it has been my honor and the privilege of a lifetime to serve as the senator for the 53rd District in the Illinois General Assembly. Representing you, my district, and our great state of Illinois has truly been the best job I’ve ever had.
This journey has been filled with challenges, rewards, and moments I will cherish forever. But as with all journeys, there comes a time for change. My time here will come to a close on the last day of the 103rd General Assembly, January 7, 2025.
As I prepare to step down, I am excited to introduce you to my successor, Chris Balkema. Chris was elected in November 2024 to replace me as your State Senator for the 53rd District starting January 8, on the first day of the 104th General Assembly.
Chris brings with him a strong desire to serve his community, shaped by a remarkable 30-year career at Caterpillar and 13 years on the Grundy County Board, where he’s spent the last six years as Chairman. He believes in Illinois’ bright future and is eager to use his experiences in American business and local government to deliver positive results for our district and state. I know he will represent you well.
As Kathy and I close this chapter and look ahead, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and the company of those you hold dear. We are grateful to have served you. Here’s to a bright future for all of us in Illinois. May God Bless our communities, our state and our country.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving you. Here’s to a bright future for all of us in Illinois.
Thomas Bennett
Illinois State Senator, 53rd District
New Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2025
As Illinoisans prepare to ring in the New Year, 293 new laws are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
These laws include changes to workplace protections, insurance protection expansions, public safety measures, environmental initiatives, and issues impacting schools and students. Additionally, the final phase of Illinois’ minimum wage increase will bring wages up to $15 per hour for workers aged 18 and older.
This year in total, we successfully passed over 475 bills. For a full list of new laws taking effect, click here.
How much do we owe? As of the time of this writing, the State of Illinois owes $2,723,111,289.63 to state vendors, including 18,105 pending vouchers. This figure represents the amount of bills submitted to the office of the Comptroller and still awaiting payment. It does not include debts that can only be estimated, such as our unfunded pension liability which is subject to a wide range of factors and has been estimated to be more than $139 billion. At the same time last year, the state’s accounts payable stood at a little less than $2 billion.
This Week in the 53rd District
Working full-time to represent you!
