Chesney Hosts Successful IPASS on Demand Event, Four More Planned in December
I want to thank everyone who came out for my first IPASS on Demand event last week in Rockton. During the four-hour event, more than 300 people came through and exchanged their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology. I also want to thank the mobile team from the Illinois tollway for delivering quick and professional service for my constituents.
As a reminder, there is no fee for switching over to the sticker technology and IPASS balances will be transferred to new accounts.
Additional IPASS on Demand events are scheduled on the following dates with details to follow:
- December 2 in Freeport
- December 9 in Elizabeth
- December 16 in Kirkland
I will add additional dates in 2024 since these events are so popular. For additional information about the above events, please contact Senator Chesney’s legislative office at (815) 232-0774 or email 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 connecting 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.
Illinois Report Projects Budget Deficits and Lagging Revenues
A yearly report by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) projects troubling news for Illinois’ economy – a $3.16 billion state budget deficit for the upcoming Fiscal Year leading some to question if another tax hike could be on the horizon.
State government spending has increased by 32 percent since Governor JB Pritzker took office, which is why Democrat leaders earlier this year forced through a record-breaking $53 billion budget that includes nearly $1 billion in higher taxes. That record-breaking $53 billion budget also provides more than $1 billion in benefits for noncitizens.
Years of such record spending pose a serious risk to Illinois’ fiscal stability and the financial security of its residents. Senate Republicans will continue to support the kind of business and government reforms needed to boost Illinois’ economy and jobs.
ISAC Offers Help With College and Financial Aid Applications
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is offering free college application and financial aid application completion workshops statewide.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will launch in December.
The FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal, state, and some institutional student financial aid to help pay for college, vocational school, or graduate school. The FAFSA is not just an application for student loans, but also for aid that students don’t have to pay back. That includes scholarships as well as federal grants such as the Pell Grant, and state grants like the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant, which is the state’s largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
Students should complete the 2025-26 FAFSA as soon as possible when it becomes available in December 2024. For information, click https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
