Illinois Gun Owners Send a Clear Message: Don’t Tread on Our Rights
Last week, Illinoisans marched on the State Capitol for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD), standing up for the constitutional rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Organized by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), IGOLD has become one of the leading 2nd Amendment rights events in the nation. It was my privilege to address the group during a rally outside of the Capitol.
Supporters from across the state sent a clear message that they will not stand by as Democrats seek to chip away at their freedoms. The group began their day in downtown Springfield, hosting a rally at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center. They then marched a half mile to the Capitol, heard from various speakers, and met with their local lawmakers to discuss legislative issues related to the Second Amendment.
Given repeated attempts by the Majority Party to undermine Second Amendment freedoms, this event is more important than ever.
Pritzker’s Proposed Tax Hikes Threaten Illinois’ Families & Their Futures
With just two weeks to go before the legislature is set to adjourn, Governor JB Pritzker’s own budget team still projects a massive deficit. While the Governor is trying to blame it on President Donald Trump and the federal government, the reality is it’s the direct result of Governor Pritzker growing government spending nearly 40% since taking office.
Instead of cutting back, Democrats are now demanding $6 billion in new tax hikes, squeezing families even harder in a state that already has the highest tax burden in the nation. These tax hikes will gut family budgets.
While families stretch every dollar, Democrats want to spend more on programs like free healthcare for illegal immigrants and expect you to pick up the tab. Middle-class families, retirees, and family farmers will take the biggest hit under the Democrat tax hike plan, and some will be forced to make impossible decisions, like choosing between paying for daycare or keeping the lights on, between car repairs or a trip to the pharmacy.
My Senate Republican colleagues and I are fighting back for working families, because we know every dollar matters. It’s time Springfield stopped making your life harder.
Chesney Summer Events Calendar Coming Together
I want to thank everyone who participated in the pet food drive I recently hosted with the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors to benefit the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. It was an incredibly successful drive and I truly appreciate all of the donations.
My events staff is putting the finishing touches on a few new events that have been scheduled in the 45th District this June. While additional events will be added throughout the summer and fall, please mark your calendars now for these events:
- Summer Reading Program: Students entering first through sixth grade in the fall of this year are challenged to read eight books over the course of the summer. Books over 200 pages may count as two books. The form and additional information can be accessed here.
- June 21, Free Document Shredding: Getty Gardens (former Goldie Floberg Building). 58 West Rockton Road, Rockton, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- June 21, Free Document Shredding: Roscoe Middle School, 6121 Elevator Road, Roscoe, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- June 24, IPASS on Demand: Genoa City Hall, 333 East 1st Street, Genoa, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (those who attend should bring their plastic IPASS transponder(s) and jot down license plate numbers to ensure quick service)
Additional events will be added, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on events near you.
2025 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 13.
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol, the Medal of Honor Ceremony took place at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.
The ceremonies brought scores of firefighters from across Illinois to Springfield to honor, recognize, and remember firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. The event was a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication that these brave men and women demonstrate in their service to the people of Illinois.
