Illinois General Assembly - Representative Biography

Years served: Senate 2025 - Present

Committee assignments: Agriculture; Approp- Ed (Minority Spokesperson); Behavioral and Mental Health; Education; Labor; Pensions; Revenue.

Biography: Senator Chris Balkema was sworn into office in January 2025. Before joining the Senate, he served on the Grundy County Board, chairing since 2016. With 31 years at Caterpillar, Senator Balkema has held leadership roles in Human Resources, Operations, Logistics, and Purchasing. He also serves on the Grundy County Economic Development Council and has advised Taylor University’s Business Advisory Council. A graduate of Taylor University (B.S. in Business Systems) and Bradley University (MBA), he lives in Channahon with his wife of 26 years. They have two sons in college.

Associated Senator(s):	Dennis Tipsword
	Jason R. Bunting

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