The threatening messages were sent to Senator Chesney’s government email address the same day he participated in a press conference that focused on illegal immigration and President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. The press conference received coverage from several major media outlets, including ABC 7 Chicago and WBBM Radio Chicago.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations for their professionalism, diligence, and swift action throughout this case,” said Chesney. “Their commitment to public safety is exemplary, and I am grateful to know that Mr. Haggerty will be held accountable for these felony crimes. It is deeply troubling that an inspector for the City of Chicago issued violent threats against a sitting public official, and such conduct must be met with the seriousness it deserves.”

Haggerty was taken into custody in Chicago and transported to Stephenson County. A forthcoming court hearing will determine whether he will be detained pending trial.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial, at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The post City of Chicago Employee Arrested After Making Threats to State Senator Andrew Chesney appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

State Senator Andrew Chesney Named Prairie State Policy Champion by AFP-IL I am proud to announce that I was recently named a “Prairie State Policy Champion” by Americans for Prosperity–Illinois (AFP-IL), a conservative organization that promotes policy solutions rooted in the principles of freedom, limited government, and economic opportunity. The recognition honors lawmakers who consistently advocate for transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and accountability in public service. I’m told I received the award due to leadership and advocacy in the Illinois Senate, particularly in matters related to governmental oversight and the state budget process. AFP-IL State Director Jason Heffley specifically pointed to my efforts to challenge the state budget proceedings earlier this year based on constitutionally required procedures that were bypassed. Heffley had this to say when he announced the award: “Senator Chesney has been a leading advocate for transparency and adherence to the constitutional requirements that guide the budgeting process. His commitment to calling out procedural shortcuts and standing firm on behalf of taxpayers exemplifies what it means to be a Prairie State Policy Champion.” From my first day in the legislature in 2018, I have always stood firm against government overreach and corruption. I have never voted for a tax or fee increase and speak out regularly to hold Democrats accountable when they circumvent processes meant to protect Illinois citizens and taxpayers. I will continue to fight for responsible governance for the people of the 45^th District and all of Illinois.   Chesney Hosts First Meeting of Homeschool Advisory Committee Last week I hosted the inaugural meeting of my new Homeschool Advisory Committee. We gathered in Freeport, and after a short legislative update, we had a productive conversation about ongoing attacks on school choice and homeschooling, and I was able to hear firsthand from those who have chosen homeschooling as the right choice for their kids. This committee will meet a few times each year, and my staff is currently working on a spring gathering for the group in Springfield.   Pet Adoption Fair Scheduled for December 13 in Freeport I have a Pet Adoption Fair scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. I will be partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for this popular annual event. As has been done in the past, I will help highlight animals that are available for adoption with hopes of connecting people with new pets from the shelter. Those who attend the event will be able to meet dogs and cats that are looking for forever homes and begin the adoption process. The Friends Forever Humane Society is located at 966 A. Rudy Road in Freeport, and the adoption fair will be held from Noon until 2:30 PM. Those with questions about this event are encouraged to call my district office at (815) 232-0774.   Digital IDs Available to Illinoisans  Illinoisans are now able to use digital driver’s licenses and state IDs on their smartphones after the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office announced the launch of a new mobile ID program. Under the new digital ID program, residents can now add their driver’s license or state ID to their iPhone Apple wallets, with future plans to roll out support for Google and Samsung wallet users next year. To add a digital ID on an iPhone, tap the “plus” button in the top right corner in the wallet app, select “driver’s license and ID cards,” and then follow the prompts. Citizens will be required to scan their physical IDs to complete the process. Illinois joins a growing number of states adopting digital IDs, including Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, and Utah. Mobile IDs became available on November 11^th, with additional system expansions anticipated next year. Visit https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/mobile-id/apple-wallet.html to learn more.

The post Senator Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Chesney received the award for his leadership and advocacy in the Illinois Senate, particularly in matters related to governmental oversight and the state budget process.

“I am honored to receive this distinction and am proud to fight for limited and transparent government, reduced taxes, and accountability for those who serve in the public trust,” said Chesney. “This recognition reflects the work I continue to do to safeguard taxpayers and demand integrity in the legislative process.”

AFP-IL State Director Jason Heffley highlighted Chesney’s efforts to challenge the state budget proceedings earlier this year, in which he raised concerns about constitutionally required procedures being bypassed.

“Senator Chesney has been a leading advocate for transparency and adherence to the constitutional requirements that guide the budgeting process,” Heffley said. “His commitment to calling out procedural shortcuts and standing firm on behalf of taxpayers exemplifies what it means to be a Prairie State Policy Champion.”

Chesney will be formally presented with the award at an upcoming ceremony in the 45th Senate District.

“From my first day in the legislature in 2018, I have always stood firm against government overreach and corruption,” Chesney added. “I have never voted for a tax or fee increase and speak out regularly to hold Democrats accountable when they circumvent processes meant to protect Illinois citizens and taxpayers. I will continue to fight for responsible governance for the people of the 45^th District and all of Illinois.”

The post State Senator Andrew Chesney Named Prairie State Policy Champion by AFP-IL appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with law enforcement leaders at the Northwest Illinois Law Enforcement Executives Association (NILEEA) meeting in Freeport. Meetings like these are incredibly important, because hearing directly from the men and women who put their lives on the line every day helps me understand what they need to keep our communities safe. Despite the ongoing push by some to undermine law enforcement, I remain committed to standing with our officers and supporting policies that strengthen public safety.   Federal Government Reopens After Record-Breaking Shutdown After weeks of uncertainty and disruption, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history has finally come to an end. Our own Congressman for the 17^th Congressional District, Eric Sorensen, voted to keep the government shut down, choosing partisan politics over what is best for American citizens. Following the vote, I issued the following press statement: “Tonight, Eric Sorensen, the Democrat representing Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, spat in the face of northwestern Illinoisans. With his vote to attempt to keep the government shutdown alive, he once again showed how out of touch he is with the people he’s supposed to represent. “By siding with his party’s far-left leadership, Sorensen voted to keep our soldiers from getting paid and abandoned the hungry families of Illinois. He cared more about scoring political points than helping the people of this state who are struggling to survive. “Instead of standing up for the men and women who keep this country running, Sorensen has thrown in with Democratic elites who look down on working Americans and treat them as expendable. It’s disgraceful and dangerous, and it’s hurting the very communities he claims to care about. “I want to thank Congressman Darin LaHood for stepping up, helping to reopen the government, and working to restore stability and normalcy for Illinois families who should never have been put in this position. “What Sorensen and his Democrat allies are doing is a direct attack on Illinois families already struggling with higher costs and uncertainty. Their actions threaten food security, travel, and paychecks for thousands across our state. “Families in Rockford, Freeport, and across northwest Illinois are paying the price for his loyalty to party leaders in Washington instead of the people he was elected to serve. “The people of northwest Illinois deserve better, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they get it.” Washington Democrats triggered the shutdown on October 1, after rejecting a bipartisan plan that would have kept the government open. The stalemate dragged on for 43 days before a handful of Congressional Democrats joined Republicans in their efforts to approve a funding bill that allowed federal agencies and services to begin returning to normal operations. President Trump signed the bill just hours after it passed in the U.S. House. The newly approved funding bill reopens the federal government and keeps it operating through January 30, 2026.   Pet Adoption Fair Scheduled for December 13 in Freeport I have a Pet Adoption Fair scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. I will be partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for this popular annual event. As has been done in the past, I will help highlight animals that are available for adoption with hopes of connecting people with new pets from the shelter. Those who attend the event will be able to meet dogs and cats that are looking for forever homes and begin the adoption process. The Friends Forever Humane Society is located at 966 A. Rudy Road in Freeport, and the adoption fair will be held from Noon until 2:30 PM. Those with questions about this event are encouraged to call my district office at (815) 232-0774.

The post Senator Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Who is footing the bill? Rural taxpayers and small communities that will see minimal benefit in return.

For decades, Illinois has relied on a stable formula for distributing revenue from the sales tax paid on motor fuel. Historically, those dollars have been split 55% for downstate/rural transportation needs and 45% for transportation systems in the Chicago region. This long-standing structure acknowledged that while Chicagoland relies heavily on rail and bus networks, communities like ours outside the Chicagoland area must maintain thousands of miles of roads and bridges.

The new transit funding package throws that precedent out the window. Now, 85% of those dollars will go to a new transit authority that benefits Chicago and nearby suburbs, and only 15% will be left for everyone else, including those of us living in Northwest Illinois. That means Chicago transit will get about $731 million each year, while the rest of the state receives only $129 million. Rural areas lose nearly $473 million a year through this change, and Governor JB Pritzker is loudly supportive.

All told, taxpayers outside the Chicago region will now be forced to subsidize more than half a billion dollars every year to bail out Chicago’s transit system. Riders have long reported unreliable service, staffing shortages, deteriorating stations, and safety concerns. Yet instead of requiring reforms, performance benchmarks, or accountability, the legislature handed Chicago leaders a blank check and sent the invoice to the rest of the state.

Meanwhile, families and businesses outside of Chicago already shoulder higher transportation costs. We drive longer distances to work, school, hospitals, and grocery stores and depend on safe roads and bridges, yet we are expected to sacrifice even more, while receiving less. It is fundamentally unfair, but typical of how Illinois Democrats operate.

Illinois should not be a state where one region prospers at the direct expense of another. Additionally, significant financial and policy decisions should not be brokered while the public sleeps. And finally, taxpayers should not be treated like a bottomless piggy bank to bail out politically powerful interests.

Illinoisans deserve transparency, fairness, and a transportation system that serves the whole state, not just Chicagoland. Unfortunately, the passage of SB 2111 in the dead of night is just the latest example of how Illinois Democrats do business.

The post A 4:00 AM Public Transit Bailout That Robs Peter to Pay Paul appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

The post Senator Chesney Reacts to U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen’s Politically-Motivated Vote to Keep Government Shut Down appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Democrats Wait Until After Elections to End Government Shutdown
Over the weekend, there was movement within the U.S. Senate to end the stalemate and reopen the federal government. It came as no surprise to me that Washington Democrats waited until after last week’s elections to decide the shutdown had gone on long enough.

Upon hearing the news, I issued the following press statement:

“I am pleased to know that a handful of Democrats have finally come to their senses and are joining Republicans in approving a clean continuing resolution that reopens the federal government. What comes as no surprise, however, is that their change-of-heart came less than a week after an election, proving that their opposition was never about policy; it was about politics.

“I stand with our Republican delegation in Washington who are committed to putting an end to Biden-era policies that provide for illegal immigrant healthcare, and I look forward to the resolution making it’s way to the desk of President Donald Trump for his signature.”

  Democrats Use Veto Session to Push Partisan Agenda When lawmakers returned to Springfield for the fall Veto Session, only a handful of vetoes were up for potential consideration. However, the session agenda quickly shifted toward advancing new and previously introduced legislation, including several controversial measures that have far-reaching consequences for taxpayers and businesses across the state.

Among the most heated measures were a sweeping public transit bailout for the City of Chicago that was rushed through with little to no time to review final bill language, a short-sighted tax plan known as “decoupling” that effectively raises taxes on Illinois job creators, an $8 billion energy rate hike, and a polarizing proposal to pave the way for physician-assisted suicide.

Senate Republicans criticized the priorities as well as the process of Springfield Democrats. Using Veto Session to push through major policy changes in the middle of the night, with little public input or debate, is irresponsible and dangerous. These measures will have lasting and permanent consequences for families, businesses, and communities across Illinois.

The Senate is not scheduled to return to the Capitol until mid-January for the start of the 2026 spring session. Click here to view the 2026 Senate session calendar.

  Chesney Co-Sponsors Bill to Expand Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens
Illinois continues to face one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation, with homeowners paying the highest effective property tax rate of any state. The heavy tax load has driven many residents, particularly seniors, to leave Illinois.

During the recent Veto Session, we took steps to ease that burden by passing Senate Bill 642, a measure designed to help seniors stay in their homes. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill.

The proposal raises the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption over the next several years. Beginning in tax year 2026, the income limit would increase to $75,000, then to $77,000 in 2027, and to $79,000 in 2028 and beyond.

The aim of the legislation is to expand eligibility for the property tax freeze program to allow in-need seniors to qualify for relief and stay in their homes.

The measure passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor for his signature.

  Physician-Assisted Suicide Legislation Advances to Governor’s Desk

In the early morning hours of October 31, lawmakers in the Illinois Senate voted on a controversial proposal that would legalize physician-assisted suicide in this state. I voted against the bill.

Senate Bill 1950, which was pasted as a “gut and replace” amendment into a bill originally having to do with food processing, would create the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act. The measure allows adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live to request medication from a physician to voluntarily end their lives.

The proposal passed in the Senate with the bare minimum number of votes (30) and now advances to the Governor’s desk for consideration. Governor Pritzker has two months to take action on the measure, but it remains unclear whether he intends to sign it into law.

The post Senator Andrew Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

“I am pleased to know that a handful of Democrats have finally come to their senses and are joining Republicans in approving a clean continuing resolution that reopens the federal government. What comes as no surprise, however, is that their change-of-heart came less than a week after an election, proving that their opposition was never about policy; it was about politics.

“I stand with our Republican delegation in Washington who are committed to putting an end to Biden-era policies that provide for illegal immigrant healthcare, and I look forward to the resolution making it’s way to the desk of President Donald Trump for his signature.”

The post Senator Andrew Chesney Reacts to News that U.S. Senate Has Reached an Agreement on Reopening the Federal Government appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

The 2026 fall veto session was the most expensive and reckless I have ever seen.

While most Illinoisans were asleep during the overnight hours of October 30-31, Springfield Democrats rammed through over $10 billion in new taxes and fees to fund their ongoing insatiable appetite for spending. They also passed dangerous legislation that continues to place the rights of illegal immigrants ahead of local, state, and federal law enforcement, and made physician-assisted suicide legal. Democrats could be seen high-fiving each other after each controversial vote.

Illinois Democrats Pass Anti-ICE Law Shielding Illegal Immigrants

House Bill 1312, legislation that further ties the hands of federal immigration officers (ICE) and makes it even more difficult to deport illegal immigrants, was pushed through by Democrats on the last day of veto session. The bill essentially blocks federal immigration enforcement from operating in and around Illinois courthouses. The bill prohibits civil immigration arrests inside courthouses and within 1,000 feet of them, creating “safe zones” where individuals in the country illegally can avoid detention.

Do you know who else is restricted to being within 1,000 feet of perceived danger? Convicted sex offenders. As you can imagine, I was very outspoken with my opposition to this anti-law enforcement/pro-illegal immigrant bill.

Click here to view a portion of my floor comments during the bill debate.

Through this bill, immigration agents could face $10,000 fines and civil lawsuits simply for carrying out their duties. It even allows individuals to sue federal officers for alleged violations of “constitutional rights,” with extra penalties if agents wear masks or fail to wear body cameras. The measure is designed to intimidate and penalize ICE agents, further weakening cooperation between state authorities and federal law enforcement.

The legislation comes as the Department of Homeland Security reports more than 1,500 arrests of undocumented immigrants in the Chicago area over the past several weeks. Rather than assisting in these efforts to remove criminal offenders from Illinois communities, state leaders have doubled down on policies that shield those who have broken federal immigration law and make it harder for ICE to do its job.

This is yet another example of Illinois Democrats putting the interests of illegal immigrants ahead of public safety. The bill continues the state’s pattern of undermining federal immigration enforcement and maintains Illinois’ position as a sanctuary for those here unlawfully.

Click here to view an additional portion of my floor comments on this topic.

Controversial Transit Legislation Passes General Assembly

After two years of public hearings and multiple proposals for funding streams, Springfield Democrats rammed through a sweeping public transit bill in the early hours of October 31.

Senate Bill 2111, a controversial proposal to address Chicago’s failing transit system, was called at 4:00 AM in the early morning hours of October 31, sparking criticism over both the timing and the substance of the proposal.

The controversial measure draws new revenue from several sources, including redirecting revenue from the state’s motor fuel sales tax and increasing every tollway toll by 45 cents. This proposal also strips critical funding from all parts of the state outside of Cook County, including funding for this region, and is essentially a bailout for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his failing transit system.

I voted no on SB 2111 because this plan raises costs for families who can least afford it and takes more from our communities to cover Chicago’s spending problems.

Democrats Pass Costly Energy Legislation

One of the most costly bills passed on the last day of veto session was an energy bill (Senate Bill 25) that removes current caps on how much energy rates can be increased. This opens the door to an $8 billion hike on power bills. Every Senate Republican voted against it.

I believe the provisions of the bill will drive up costs for families already struggling with high utility bills, while directing billions toward special-interest projects and unproven technology that will not make energy more affordable or reliable. The measure also strips away local control, allowing large battery storage facilities to be built within 150 feet of a home or farm with no recourse for local governments to object.

Families across Illinois are already being crushed by rising costs, and instead of offering real relief, this proposal makes things worse. By removing these protections and giving unelected agencies unlimited power to raise rates, the legislation will make energy more expensive and less reliable for Illinois families.

Springfield Democrats Push New Tax Hike Disguised as “Decoupling”

Democrats also passed a controversial proposal (Senate Bill 1911) to “decouple” Illinois from federal tax relief measures put in place by the Trump Administration in his Big Beautiful Bill. The provisions Democrats rejected are designed to help businesses recover and grow. By decoupling, Democrats are effectively raising taxes on businesses, manufacturers, and other job creators, is being criticized as another short-sighted tax grab that threatens jobs, investment, and working families across the state.

Currently, Illinois faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and I believe this new tax hike would only make matters worse. Every other state competing for factories, jobs, and new facilities is offering incentives to build, but decoupling sends a clear message that Illinois is closed for business.

Governor Pritzker and his allies are prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term economic stability, and I believe that instead of creating jobs and helping families get ahead, Democrats are choosing yet another tax hike that raises costs, drives away opportunity, and makes it even harder for Illinois families to succeed.

The post Senator Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Working Families Could Face $1.5 Billion Tax Hike in Second Week of Veto Legislators are back in Springfield this week for the final three days of the fall veto session. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, Democrats are pushing a plan that could cost Illinois families up to $1.5 billion more each year to bail out Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Chicago transit system, which faces a looming budget shortfall due to long-term financial mismanagement. The new tax hike proposals are similar to the tax and fee increases that were championed by Democrats back in May. The tax hikes were bad then, and they’re bad now. As a reminder, here are my floor comments from that May 31 Senate floor debate. As was the case in May, the new Democrat tax hike plan doesn’t just raise taxes, it raises the cost of daily life. Families would pay more for the basics they rely on every day, from getting to work and buying groceries to caring for their kids. The taxes would hit suburban and downstate families hardest, forcing them to subsidize Mayor Brandon Johnson’s financial mismanagement. For families in this area who never ride Chicago’s buses or trains, this plan means paying more for a service they may never use. Every extra dollar matters for working parents trying to put food on the table and keep the lights on. The last thing Illinois families need is another tax making life harder. It is time for Springfield to start helping families get ahead instead of holding them back.   Senate to Consider Pritzker’s Changes to Equality for Every Family Act This week, the Senate is expected to take up Governor J.B. Pritzker’s amendatory veto to House Bill 2568, known as the Equality for Every Family Act. The measure makes sweeping changes to Illinois’ parentage laws, replacing traditional references to “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral terms such as “acknowledged parent” and “person who gave birth.” I was vocal with my opposition to this bill when it originally came before the Senate in May because I believe it is an attempt to erase the fundamental definitions of family. During the Senate floor debate on the original bill, I had this to say: “There are only two genders. This act replaces ‘father’ with ‘acknowledged parent’ and refers to mothers as ‘the person who gave birth.’ As a father, that’s offensive. For women, it should be equally so. The people of Illinois deserve laws that strengthen families, not redefine them. Words matter, and removing ‘mother’ and ‘father’ from our statutes sends the wrong message about the importance of parents in a child’s life.” Pritzker’s amendatory veto addressed what his administration described as a drafting error. However, I maintain that the legislation reflects a broader ideological effort to rewrite long-standing social norms.   Illinois Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk The life of First Amendment advocate and popular radio host Charlie Kirk has been honored by the Illinois Senate through a resolution passed earlier this month. Senate Resolution 427 passed unanimously on October 16, 2025. The resolution officially mourns the passing of Charlie Kirk and extends condolences from the members of the Senate to Kirk’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. It also directs a copy of the resolution to be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in 1993. Kirk’s organization would become a national powerhouse as the man behind it became an accomplished author, speaker, and talk radio host. Charlie Kirk was tragically killed on September 10, 2025, when he was shot by a sniper during a Turning Point event on the campus of Utah Valley University.

The post Senator Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.