Senator Andrew Chesney Hosts Successful Pet Rescue Event
On December 2, my office partnered with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for a very successful Pet Rescue Fair. There was a great turnout for the event, and a few animals were connected with new forever homes. Those who attended the three-hour event could interact with animals up for adoption and enjoy half-price adoptions for cats.
As you may know, I am a fierce advocate for the proper treatment of animals and was the sponsor of Illinois’ original puppy mill ban law in 2021 (House Bill 1711). This year I sponsored two additional bills that focus on the ethical treatment of animals:
- Senate Bill 1882, which prohibits testing facilities from engaging in toxicological experiments involving dogs and cats; and
- Senate Bill 1230, which closes a loophole in the puppy mill ban law that some bad actors used to sidestep the law against selling puppy mill puppies at pet stores.
The Pet Rescue Fair in the 45th District is an annual event aimed at drawing attention to area animal shelters and the adorable and affordable pets they have up for adoption.
Illinois Farm Bureau selects new president for upcoming year
Last week hundreds of Illinois farmers and county farm bureau members gathered in Chicago for the Illinois Farm Bureau’s (IFB) annual meeting. At this annual meeting, the group discusses issues relative to agriculture and the farming community and they create a policy platform.
Congratulations to Brian Duncan, an Ogle County livestock and grain farmer, who was selected at the meeting to serve as President of the Illinois Farm Bureau for 2024. Prior to his selection as IFB President, Brian served as the organization’s vice president since 2017. He also served 13 years as President of the Ogle County Farm Bureau (2004-2017) and has held positions on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Swine Advisory Committee, National Pork Producers Council Price Discovery Task Force, and the Ogle County Pork Producers board of directors.
Illinois recreational trail projects awarded $3.7 million
A local trail in the 45th District could be getting a significant facelift, thanks to the recent announcement that $3.7 million will be awarded for various recreational trail development projects across the state.
Under the program, local grant recipients can receive a reimbursement of up to 80 percent for the cost of trail projects. Grants may be awarded for land acquisition, trail construction, and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs.
The Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, an advisory board under the purview of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, recommended the funding for 19 designated projects to be used to help satisfy the burgeoning demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities in Illinois. Included in the list of recommended projects is a $200,000 allocation to the Freeport Park District for Jane Addams Trail improvements.
Chesney joins Forreston Police Department for annual “Shop with a Cop” event
I had so much fun last week watching the men and women in blue from the Forreston Police Department partner with area kids for the annual “Shop with a Cop” event at the Freeport Farm & Fleet.
Kids are connected with the program through recommendations by teachers, counselors, relatives, and neighbors. They are paired with officers, and during their shopping excursion, they are outfitted with necessities like clothing, socks, gloves, and boots, and receive other items like toys and sporting goods.
It is an extremely valuable program that is made possible through private donations.
