Senator Chesney Earns Perfect Score from Small Business Advocacy Group
I am proud to announce that I recently earned a perfect 100% score for my 2023-2024 voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), an organization that advocates for small businesses across the nation and in all 50 states. NFIB is nonprofit and nonpartisan.
NIFB-Illinois Director Noah Finley had this to say when he delivered the news: “Senator Chesney has earned an impressive 100% small-business voting record. He consistently sides with small-business owners on issues that impact their businesses. Unlike many in Springfield, he understands that small-business job-creators are vital to our local economies.”
Rankings are based on legislator voting records on eight individual bills from the 103rd General Assembly (2023-2024) that affect small businesses in the state. Click here to read a summary of the bills included in the rankings.
To learn more about the National Federation of Independent Business and to view every Illinois legislator’s voting record on the NFIB ranking bills, please visit https://strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net/nfibcom/IL-Voting-Record-05.pdf.
Republicans Spotlight Illinois’ Struggles as Democrats Convene in Chicago
This week, Democrats from across the nation are gathering in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, an event that has drawn on local, state, and federal taxpayer resources to host and safeguard the thousands expected to flock to Illinois’ largest city. As Democrats prepare to tout what they have “delivered” in Illinois, members of the Senate Republican Caucus held a press conference on Friday, August 16, to scrutinize the real impact of Democratic policies on the state.
As the cost of living continues to soar, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries, childcare, and daily essentials. Lawmakers pointed out that despite these challenges, the administration has raised taxes by $1 billion to fund $1 billion in spending on programs for non-citizens.
During the press conference, lawmakers highlighted Illinois’ reputation as one of the least tax-friendly states in the country. They expressed frustration that as families struggle to make ends meet they face higher taxes rather than relief, making Illinois an increasingly difficult place to live and work. They also noted that Illinois now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation, yet state leadership continues to impose job-killing taxes, further compounding financial hardships.
Public safety was another major concern raised by legislators. Since 2019, major crimes in Chicago have surged nearly 60%, with an 18% increase in the past year alone. Legislators criticized Pritzker’s “catch and release” policies, which they say have led to the release of dangerous offenders, putting communities at risk.
Lawmakers also expressed disappointment over the recent decision not to extend the Invest in Kids scholarship program. This program provided thousands of students from low-income families with opportunities to attend schools that better meet their educational needs. The decision to end it, they argued, has left many families scrambling to find alternatives as the new school year begins.
Legislators called for a reevaluation of state priorities, urging the administration to focus on the needs of Illinois residents rather than on policies they believe are failing to address the state’s pressing issues.
New Law Provides Flexible Daycare Scheduling Options to Working Families
A new law is providing increased flexibility for working parents by expanding daycare scheduling options for shift employees. I was a proud Chief Co-Sponsor of the legislation.
Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours a day and allows care for children for up to 12 hours if the parent works in a position requiring regularly scheduled shifts. A 10-hour break must occur between daycare visits.
This initiative was inspired by the need for a more adaptable childcare system to support shift workers. The law is not intended for children to be in daycare for 24 hours straight but rather to offer essential flexibility for caregivers and the working parents they serve.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is tasked with adopting the necessary rules to implement and administer this new system. The bill received unanimous support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Community Connections Meeting Scheduled for August 28 in Freeport
My next Community Connections meeting is coming up on August 28 in Freeport. Joining me as a co-host of the event is Stephenson County Board Chairman Scott Helms.
During this hour-and-a-half meeting I will provide brief remarks, but the bulk of the time will be reserved for a question and answer session with those who attend. I look forward to answering questions about topics of interest to you and your family.
Freeport Community Connections Meeting
Wednesday, August 28
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building
210 W. Spring Street, Freeport
Co-Hosted by Stephenson County Board Chairman Scott Helms
Additional Community Connections meetings are also scheduled as follows:
Oregon Community Connections Meeting
Thursday, September 12
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Nash Recreations Center (River Room)
304 South Fifth Street, Oregon
Co-Hosted by Oregon Mayor Ken Williams
Elizabeth Community Connections Meeting
Wednesday, September 11
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Elizabeth Village Hall
200 East Myrtle Street, Elizabeth
Co-Hosted by Jo Daviess County Board Chairman LaDon Trost,
Elizabeth Village President Jason Thomasson, and
Jo Daviess County Board Member Mike Dittmar
All events are scheduled for 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. For additional information about these meetings, please visit the “Events” page on my website. You can also contact my office at (815) 232-0774 or email Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Small Equipment Grants Now Available
The IL State Fire Marshal grant portal is now open for applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small equipment by a fire department, fire protection district, township fire department, or not-for-profit ambulance service. All interested departments should send an application to the office of the State Fire Marshal electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024. Learn more: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
