Chesney Meets with Local Officials to Discuss Issues and Receive Updates
With veto session set to begin in a few weeks and the 2025 session on the horizon, last week I had an opportunity to meet with two public officials in the 45th District to discuss local needs and concerns and to receive updates on other issues of importance.
When the legislature is not in session I enjoy sitting down with local elected officials to talk about our shared constituencies. In the photo on the left I am shown with Kingston Village President John Lynch, and on the right I am shown with Kirkland Village President Ryan Block. Thank you to both community leaders for the invitations.
Senate Republicans Demand Illinois-Specific Data on Immigrants Convicted or Charged with Serious Crimes
At a press conference on October 1, Senate Republicans expressed concerns over recently released federal data that found more than half a million non-citizens with criminal convictions or pending charges are living in the United States. These alarming statistics showcase the potential threat posed by immigrant criminals to the safety of Illinois residents.
Of the 662,556 with criminal histories on ICE’s national docket, 435,719 are convicted criminals and 226,847 have pending charges. Included in that are more than 13,000 non-citizens convicted of homicide and 15,811 convicted of sexual assault.
Following the conference, Republican lawmakers issued a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul asking for Illinois-specific data on how many of these individuals reside within the state.
We need for Illinois-specific data, which is available but has not been provided. Republican lawmakers remain committed to advocating for transparency regarding the presence of non-citizen criminals in Illinois. Public safety must be prioritized and Illinois residents deserve to have their questions answered.
Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens in October
Illinois’ fall trout season will kick off October 19 at 60 designated ponds, lakes, and streams across the state. An early catch-and-release season began on October 5, but no trout may be kept until the official season opens later this month. The daily limit for trout during the regular season is five.
Anglers planning to participate in either the early catch-and-release or the regular season must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp. These can be purchased at various Illinois Department of Natural Resources license and permit locations, including bait shops and sporting goods stores, or online.
For a full list of 2024 trout fishing locations, click here.
Senate Republicans to Honor Veterans with Wall of Honor
To pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, I am encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 to 25 in honor of Veterans Day.
The tribute honors the brave men and women who have served their country, preserving their stories and sacrifices for future generations. Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 8 to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
LIHEAP Applications Now Open for Winter Energy Assistance
With winter fast approaching, qualified Illinois residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is now accepting applications. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households cover the cost of their energy bills.
The application period is now open for priority groups, including senior citizens, households with disabled family members, families with children younger than age five, and individuals facing imminent disconnection. Starting November 1, all income-eligible households will be able to apply for assistance.
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy providers, helping to alleviate the financial burden of customers’ utility bills. Households do not need to be behind on payments to qualify, and eligibility is based on income. For example, a family of four earning up to $62,400 annually may be eligible for assistance.
To learn more about the program and determine eligibility, residents can visit helpillinoisfamilies.com or contact their local community action agency.
