Guest Column: Dignity and Proper Care for Our Most Vulnerable
A primary responsibility of state government is to protect those who otherwise cannot protect or take care of themselves. Sadly, in too many cases, the State of Illinois is failing these most vulnerable citizens and their families. In Northwest Illinois, we are far removed from the atrocities that have been uncovered at the Choate Mental […]
Senator Chesney Blames Toxic Work Environment Established by Democrats for Layoffs at Freeport’s Newell Brands Facility
On Thursday, Atlanta, Georgia-based Newell Brands announced the layoff of approximately 75 employees at its Freeport, Illinois facility. In response to the announcement, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “On the heels of the closure of the Belvidere Chrysler plant last week, this is another blow to the economy of Northwest […]
Ethics, or the lack thereof, in Springfield
We all have an internal compass that guides our decisions and our behavior. And for those who seek public office, their ethical standards should be beyond reproach. Most people enter politics for the right reasons. They want to give back to their communities. They want good schools, or good parks or library systems. They see […]
Senator Chesney Points to Failed Democratic Policies as Automaker Stellantis Leaves Belvidere, Makes $155 Million Investment in Indiana
On Tuesday, February 28, the Belvidere Chrysler plant was closed for good, putting hundreds of Illinoisans out of work. That same day, plant owner Stellantis announced a $155 million investment in Indiana. In response to the news, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “This is a devastating blow to the local […]
Senator Chesney Denounces Loss of Local Control for Wind Tower and Solar Panel Placement
During the Lame Duck session of the General Assembly in January, majority party lawmakers approved legislation that removes local control over setback requirements for wind and solar devices. As rural counties respond to new state regulations, many are wondering how they can challenge a law they believe will negatively affect property values and the quality […]
Senator Andrew Chesney Seeks Stronger Ethics through 2023 Legislative Agenda
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) wants to raise the ethical bar for state-level public officials by strengthening penalties for those found guilty of public corruption or other serious crimes. “Unblemished ethics should be at the center of everything we do as lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly,” said Chesney. “Unfortunately, all too often we have […]
The Rules of the Legislative Game
Friday, February 10 marked the 2023 bill filing deadline in Springfield, and at the end of the day there were 2,442 Senate Bills and 2,000 House Bills filed. Almost all are bills of substance seeking a legislative change. About a dozen of these bills are mine, and they address a variety of issues that those […]
Senator Chesney’s Week in Review
Governor Proposes $3 Billion Spending Increase During Budget Address On Feb. 15, Governor JB Pritzker proposed his fifth budget to the Illinois General Assembly during his annual Budget and State of the State Address. While he painted an idealistic image of Illinois’ fiscal outlook, he failed to address the looming realities the Illinois economy is […]
Senator Andrew Chesney Blasts Pritzker Spending Plan
On February 15, Governor JB Pritzker presented his combined State of the State and Budget Address before a joint session of the Illinois Senate and House. During the 55-minute speech, Governor Pritzker outlined a $49.6 billion General Fund spending plan for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes a new, permanent spending increase of nearly $3 billion, […]
Senator Chesney and Representative Cabello File Bills in the Senate and House to “Void the FOID”
Two Northwest Illinois lawmakers are renewing their fight to eliminate a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system they claim adds an unfair layer of bureaucracy and financial strain to Illinoisans who want to exercise their constitutionally-guaranteed Second Amendment rights. State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) and State Representative John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) have filed similar legislation […]