Federal Court Ruling Finds Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban Unconstitutional
A federal judge in East St. Louis recently ruled that the state’s assault weapons ban is unconstitutional.
In 2023, Illinois enacted a ban on the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. The legislation faced immediate legal challenges, with gun owners and gun rights advocacy groups arguing it infringed on constitutional rights. On November 8, Judge Stephen P. McGlynn ruled the state’s ban unconstitutional, granting an injunction to plaintiffs.
The judge stayed the injunction for 30 days, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed an appeal that same night.
Rather than restricting rights, this ruling will refocus efforts on tackling the root causes of violence, emphasizing stricter enforcement against illegal gun possession and enhanced mental health support.
Following the ruling’s issuance, I did a radio interview. Click here to listen to that interview.
Click here to access the official injunction ruling.
Details Finalized for Four More IPASS on Demand Events in December
As I mentioned last week, the IPASS on Demand event I hosted in Rockton was a tremendous success, with more than 300 people switching out their plastic IPASS transponder with the new sticker technology. Details are now finalized for four additional IPASS events that will be held in December. Please mark your calendars for an event near you:
- Monday, December 2 in Freeport: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM, Highland Community College Conference Center, 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport
- Tuesday, December 3 in Machesney Park: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Machesney Park Village Hall, 300 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park
- Monday, December 9 in Elizabeth: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Elizabeth Village Hall, 200 East Myrtle Street, Elizabeth
- Monday, December 16 in Kirkland: 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM, Resource One Bank, 414 Main Street, Kirkland
I will add additional dates in 2024 since these events are so popular. For additional information about the above events, please contact my legislative office at (815) 232-0774 or email Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Don’t forget about my Pet Adoption Fair scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. 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.
Chesney Attends Law Enforcement Legislative Luncheon
I recently attended a Law Enforcement Legislative Luncheon held in Freeport. Legislators and members of the Northwest Illinois Law Enforcement Executives’ Association were in attendance, and we had a great discussion.
Law enforcement officers show incredible dedication, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our communities. They work tirelessly to maintain public safety, ensuring that communities remain safe and peaceful for everyone. They are often the first to respond in times of crisis, providing assistance, support, and sometimes life-saving interventions.
I stand strong with our men and women in blue!
Senate Republicans to Pritzker: Balance Illinois’ Budget Without Tax Hikes on Illinois Families
As Illinois braces for a projected budget deficit of more than $3 billion, Senate Republicans are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker to commit to balancing the budget without raising taxes on Illinois citizens and businesses.
A recent report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) estimates a $3.16 billion shortfall for the next fiscal year, raising concerns about how the Governor plans to close the budget gap he created.
Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has expanded state spending by more than 30 percent, reaching a record $53 billion in the last fiscal year. Senate Republicans have long criticized the Governor for this dramatic increase in state spending, arguing that he has turned temporary federal aid into long-term financial commitments for the state.
News of this deficit comes just months after Pritzker and his legislative allies raised taxes by nearly $1 billion to fund a budget that included more than $1 billion in healthcare and other benefits for non-citizens.
A recent Chicago Tribune article highlighted the issue and the GOP Senators’ demand for no new tax hikes: –With state facing $3B deficit, GOP senators call on Gov. JB Pritzker to promise no tax hikes.
Illinoisans across the state have made their position clear—they’re struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford to cover the cost of Governor Pritzker’s budget crisis. Instead of focusing on personal political ambitions, the Governor should prioritize the real challenges facing Illinois families and work to restore financial stability in the state.
