National First Responders Day
Today, October 28th, is National First Responders Day, a time to honor the courage and commitment of the men and women who serve on the front lines, protecting and supporting our communities.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an estimated 4.6 million people serve as career and/or volunteer first responders in the nation. Whether its firefighters rushing into burning buildings, police officers maintaining public safety, or paramedics providing life-saving care, these individuals respond in times of crisis for the safety and well-being of others, often putting their own lives at risk.
I would encourage all Illinoisans to thank first responders, honor their contributions, and show them they are appreciated for the work they do in communities throughout the state.
Senator Chesney Named “Friend of Agriculture” by Illinois Farm Bureau
I am proud to announce that I recently received the “Friend of Agriculture” award from the Illinois Farm Bureau. Agriculture is our top industry in Illinois, and Northwest Illinois is home to some of the richest farmland in the country. As a legislator and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to helping our farmers with their goal of improving food production practices and ensuring a plentiful and safe food supply.
Agriculture is also a primary employer in the State of Illinois. Nearly two million Illinoisans are employed in the agriculture industry, and I am committed to helping farmers thrive.
I received the “Friend of Agriculture” award at Shedd Farms in Rockton earlier this month. I’m shown in the photo with Brent Pollard (IL Farm Bureau Dist. 2 Director), Kevin Shedd (Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Legislative Team Chair), and John Mitchell (Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau President).
Did You Know?
Did you know that the State Designations Act includes a section that declares English as the official language of the State of Illinois? This law contains all of the current state designations, such as the Cardinal as the State Bird, the Monarch Butterfly as the State Insect, and “Land of Lincoln” as the official State Slogan.
The U.S. citizenship process and test consists of two components: English language proficiency, which is determined by the applicant’s ability to read, write, speak and understand English; and knowledge of U.S. history and government, which is determined by a civics test.
My office has received calls from constituents who were angered to learn that ballots in Illinois are printed in both English and Spanish. Since only citizens can vote, and naturalized citizens must prove English reading proficiency, why must Illinois print ballots in Spanish?
IPASS on Demand Events Coming to 45th District
In an effort to help motorists update their IPASS technology to the new stickers that are replacing plastic transponders, I am partnering with the Illinois Tollway and local mayors/village presidents for three IPASS on Demand events prior to the end of the year.
Officials from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people transfer over to the new sticker technology and ensure people can make the switch without disruption to their IPASS account activity. Along with providing this service, the tollway officials can help people with questions they may have about their IPASS account and with ‘Pay by Plate’ issues. Those who attend should jot down their license plate number to ensure quick service.
IPASS on Demand events in the 45th Senate District are scheduled as follows:
Thursday, November 7, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Rockton American Legion
221 West Main Street, Rockton
Co-Host: Rockton Mayor John Peterson
Tuesday, December 3, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Machesney Park Village Hall
300 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park
Co-Host: Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson
Monday, December 16, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Resource Bank in Kirkland
414 Main Street, Kirkland
Co-Host: Kirkland Village President Ryan Block
Once activated, the sticker tag can be used on the Illinois tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation. There is no deposit required for the sticker and the $10 transponder deposit that was paid when a transponder was purchased will transfer to the new account when it is activated.
While plastic transponders will remain active until the expiration date listed on the units, these events provide easy access for my constituents to make the switch. For additional information about these free events, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Chesney Pet Adoption Fair Set for December 14
If you’re looking for a new four-legged friend, please consider attending my Pet Adoption Fair on December 14.
I will be partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for this popular annual event. As has been done in the past, I will help highlight animals that are available for adoption with hopes of connection people with new pets from the shelter.
Those who attend the event will be able to meet dogs and cats that are looking for forever homes and begin the adoption process. The Friends Forever Humane Society is located at 966 A. Rudy Road in Freeport, and the adoption fair will be held from Noon until 2:30 PM. Those with questions about this event are encouraged to call my district office at (815) 232-0774.
