State Senator Andrew Chesney Renounces Rockford Mayor’s Shielding of Illegal Immigrants/Refusal to Cooperate with ICE
Last Wednesday, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara took to social media to reiterate his support of illegal immigrants and the city’s refusal to work with federal law enforcement on immigration issues. As soon as I learned of the Mayor’s misguided statements, I offered the following remarks to the media:
“Every elected official at every level of government has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law. Yet Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has chosen to walk in lockstep with Chicago’s radical leadership, following the failed and dangerous playbook of Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“By refusing to cooperate with ICE, Mayor McNamara is importing Chicago’s lawlessness into Rockford. He is mimicking the reckless sanctuary city policies that have made Chicago a national symbol of violent crime, political dysfunction, and disregard for public safety. Instead of standing with the overwhelming majority of his constituents who want a safe community and law and order, McNamara has chosen to stand with illegal immigrants, many of whom break our laws and endanger our communities.”
Federal Lawsuit Challenges Illinois Law Giving Financial Aid to Undocumented Students
Illinois is once again facing a federal lawsuit over its immigration policies, this time for offering taxpayer-funded financial aid and in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. Earlier this summer, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 460 into law, expanding state scholarships and grants to include undocumented immigrants beginning next year. I was a very loud NO vote when this bill was brought before the Senate in May.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, arguing the law violates federal statutes that prohibit giving benefits to individuals in the country illegally that are not equally provided to U.S. citizens. Federal officials say the law discriminates against students from other states who are legally in the U.S. but do not receive the same financial breaks Illinois is now promising to undocumented immigrants.
The lawsuit contends that Illinois’ policy not only conflicts with federal law but also shifts the financial burden onto taxpayers while incentivizing more illegal immigration.
This latest lawsuit is further proof that Governor Pritzker’s policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families. I believe taxpayer-funded financial aid should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents, not used to create additional incentives for illegal immigration.
Senator Chesney to Bring IPASS on Demand Back to 45th District
IPASS on Demand events continue to be very well attended, and I am bringing a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to Galena City Hall for an event on Tuesday, October 7 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
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.
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.
Those who plan to attend should bring their plastic transponders inside with them and also make note of their license plate numbers. This will help ensure quick service.
For additional information about this free event, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
