State Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, is starting his first year in the Illinois Senate and has been appointed to committees.

His committee assignments include Agriculture; Appropriations – Education; Behavioral and Mental Health; Education; Labor; Pensions; and Revenue. Balkema said the assignments align with his aim to support Illinois families and communities.

“These committees give me the opportunity to work on issues I care deeply about, like driving cost reduction, reducing property taxes, supporting agriculture, improving education, and addressing mental health,” Balkema said in a news release. “I’m ready to get to work and deliver real results for our district.”

Balkema represents the 53rd Senate District, which includes La Salle, Livingston, Grundy and Putnam counties.