Federal Government Shuts Down
On October 1, Democrats shut down the federal government after rejecting a bipartisan plan that would have kept it open. The decision has triggered uncertainty across the country and in Illinois as families, service members, seniors, and small businesses brace for the fallout.
Republicans point out that a bipartisan solution had already passed the U.S. House with support from both parties, offering a straightforward path to keep government operating. Instead, Democrats walked away, shutting down essential services and creating chaos for millions of Americans.
The impact of the shutdown could be felt in every part of the country, including Illinois. Service members at Scott Air Force Base and members of the Illinois National Guard could miss their paychecks. Seniors in communities from Chicago to Carbondale could face delays in receiving the benefits they depend on. Veterans across the state could wait longer for care, while working parents could lose access to food and childcare assistance. Small businesses could be left with greater uncertainty as ripple effects spread through Illinois’ economy.
Democrats had a choice: stability and responsibility or chaos and politics. By shutting down the government, they chose politics, and it is families who could be left paying the price.
Chesney Opposes Clemency of Convicted Murderer
Many who live in Stephenson County and the surrounding areas remember the horrific 1992 murders of H. Steven Roy and Kevin Muto. The victims were found shot to death execution-style in separate bedrooms of a farmhouse Roy was renting after they walked in on an armed burglary in progress. Ronald Burt, along with two accomplices, was arrested in connection with the brutal crimes. Burt was found guilty and sentenced to death, a sentence that was commuted to life in prison after former Governor George Ryan abolished the death penalty in Illinois.
Ronald Burt has petitioned for Executive Clemency, and his petition is set to be heard this month. I, along with Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall and others, have submitted letters expressing our vehement opposition to Burt’s petition for clemency.
Click here to read my letter of opposition.
Road and Bridge Investments Coming to the 45th District
The 45th Senate District will see several transportation investments from 2026 to 2031 through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Multi-Year Program.
A total of $637.15 million in funding has been set aside for state highway projects in the 45th District. An additional $41.3 million has been earmarked for local road projects in the district. These improvements will make travel safer, strengthen local infrastructure, and support our communities for years to come, and are important for families, farmers, and businesses that depend on reliable and safe roads.
You can view a full list of projects included in IDOT’s six-year Highway Improvement Program for the 45th District by clicking here.
IPASS on Demand is in Galena on Tuesday
Just a reminder that I have two more outreach events coming up, and both have been incredibly popular in the past. Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
- Tuesday, October 7: IPASS on Demand in Galena, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Galena City Hall, 101 Green Street, Galena
- Saturday, December 13: Pet Adoption Event in Freeport, 12:00 Noon – 2:30 PM, Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
Additional events are added regularly to my outreach calendar. Please visit the Events page of my website to remain up to date on events near you.
