New Year, Same “Lame Duck” Democrats
After a snowy four-day “Lame Duck” session, Illinois lawmakers convened the 104th General Assembly with Inauguration Ceremonies on January 8.
We see some terrible legislation during lame-duck sessions. In 2023, Democrats passed the unconstitutional assault-style weapons ban, redrew judicial maps to protect their control of the courts, and passed legislation that provides for the release of violent offenders from prison if they were under the age of 21 at the time of their crime.
In 2021, Democrats passed the un-SAFE-T Act, which ended cash bail and created a revolving door of criminal justice for many offenders. In 2019 they gave themselves a 15% pay increase. Back in 2013, Democrats created a driver’s license program for illegal immigrants, and in 2011 they pushed through a 67% tax hike on working families and a 46% tax hike on employers/businesses.
Lame-duck sessions are dangerous, because they take place after an election and before new lawmakers are sworn into office, so departing legislators are enticed to take bad votes since they are no longer accountable to the voters who sent them to Springfield.
This year, while Illinois families continue to struggle with the high price of groceries, gas, and other necessities, the recent session could have been used to address those challenges. Instead, Governor Pritzker and his allies focused on measures that prioritize illegal immigrants and criminals over law-abiding citizens, further their liberal agenda, and “Trump-Proof” Illinois.
As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, House Bill 5164, commonly referred to as the “Name Change Bill,” passed the Senate on January 5 and in the House on January 7. Not one Republican in either chamber voted in favor of the ill-conceived bill. I had this to say when the bill was debated in the Senate.
Democrats also passed HB 4410 last week during the lame-duck session. This bill removes the term “prostitute” from state laws and replaces it with the term “person engaged in the sex trade”. The bill also seals those individuals’ criminal records.
That same day Democrats pushed through HB 4144, which requires law enforcement to seize firearms from the homes of individuals who have domestic violence-related orders of protection filed against them. The bill was written in a way that denies the accused of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Lame-duck sessions are unnecessary and dangerous. If legislation is beneficial, it should be heard by sitting lawmakers who are held accountable for their votes by their electorate and not by legislators who are on their way out the door and therefore unaccountable.
First IPASS on Demand of 2025 Set for January 23 in Freeport
If you were unable to attend any of the IPASS on Demand events I held across the 45th District toward the end of 2024, my staff and I are in the process of scheduling several more of these popular events this year.
First up is an event scheduled for next week on Thursday, January 23 in Freeport. A mobile team from the Illinois Tollway will be at Highland Community College in the conference room from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM to help motorists switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new IPASS sticker technology. If you plan to attend, please bring your transponder(s) in with you, and make note of your license plate number. Having these items handy will ensure a smooth and quick transaction.
Again, we are finalizing details for additional IPASS events, and as those details come together, I will share them in future newsletters and on the Events page of my website. If you have questions about this event, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Senator Chesney’s Valentines for Seniors Event Underway
With Valentines Day just weeks away, I am launching my second annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive throughout the 45th District. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
To brighten the days of seniors and make sure they know they are a valued part of the community, I am asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations and other groups to create homemade cards and drawings that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 45th Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district office in Freeport between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off or mailed to:
Senator Andrew Chesney’s Office
50 West Douglas Street, Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, so it’s nice to bring them some joy so they know we’re thinking of them. Let’s all do our part to make sure this area’s seniors feel appreciated! If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
