Meeting with the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau
I recently had the chance to sit down with members of the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau to talk about what’s happening in Springfield and how it affects the people who live and work here in northwest Illinois.
We had a great conversation about the need to lower Illinois’ extremely high taxes and create fair legislative maps that ensure every community has an equal voice. Both are issues I’ll continue advocating for in Springfield.
I always value opportunities like this because there’s no substitute for hearing directly from the people I represent. Those conversations help keep me grounded in the issues that matter most back home and make me a better advocate in Springfield.
Thank you to the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau for the invitation and for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate the conversation and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Free Community Shred Event in Rockton
Summer is a great time to clean out old paperwork—and make sure your personal information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. That’s why I’m partnering with Rockton Mayor John Peterson to host a free Community Shred Event for residents throughout the area.
Join us on Saturday, July 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Rockton Athletic Fields, located at 12801 Old River Road. You can bring up to two banker boxes of personal paper documents to be securely shredded on-site at no cost. Whether it’s old bank statements, tax returns, bills, receipts, or outdated medical records, this is an easy way to safely dispose of documents containing sensitive information.
Please note that electronics will not be accepted, and the event will conclude at 11 a.m. or once the shred truck reaches capacity.
I hope you’ll take advantage of this free service to help protect yourself from identity theft while safely clearing out old paperwork. I look forward to seeing you in Rockton!
Chesney Invites Students to Take on Summer Reading Challenge
I’m encouraging students across the 45th District to stay engaged this summer by taking part in my annual Summer Reading program.
The challenge is simple: if you’re entering 1st through 8th grade, I’m asking you to read eight books before August 15th. Summer is a great time to build strong reading habits, explore new interests, and keep your mind sharp while school is out.
I encourage students to visit their local libraries, pick out books they’re excited about, and track their progress along the way. Once you’ve finished all eight books, you can fill out a short online form to complete the challenge.
Students who participate will receive an official certificate of recognition from the Illinois Senate. It’s a great way to celebrate your hard work and commitment to learning.
Contact Lori at LYates@sgop.ilga.gov for any questions.
New Law Increases Transparency for Utility Customers
I supported legislation this year to give Illinois consumers a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly electric bills.
The new law, House Bill 5524, requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and make it available in a clear, easy-to-understand format. It will also identify which charges are remitted to the state and which are retained by utility companies, giving consumers a better understanding of how their bills are structured.
Too often, utility bills are filled with fees and charges that aren’t clearly explained. Greater transparency will help consumers better understand where their money is going and provide more accountability for the costs included on their monthly bills.
This legislation received unanimous support in both chambers of the General Assembly before being signed into law by the Governor.
