Andrew Chesney

ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR
45TH DISTRICT

Senate Republicans discuss business agenda to support job creators, boost economic development, and attract more investment in Illinois

As Illinois’ unfriendly business climate has pushed large companies to leave the state or significantly reduce their corporate presence, members of the Senate Republican Caucus shared a package of business advocacy initiatives to help Illinois better compete, create jobs, and boost its economy. “Illinois is rich with potential, an educated workforce, and a long history […]

Senator Chesney’s Guest Column: Thank You, Farmers

Many say the only constant in life is change. We see this as businesses continually adapt to remain competitive and profitable, and schools respond to economic trends to produce graduates that can succeed at jobs many of us never thought would even exist when we were young. While the rate of change can be dizzying, […]

Take Senator Chesney’s Legislative Survey!

State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) invites all residents of Illinois’ 45th Senate District to complete his 2023 Survey. The survey was recently mailed to households in the district, and it can also be accessed at:  https://senatorchesney.com/chesneyfall2023survey/ . “These survey results will be a valuable tool as I represent the issues and priorities of the 45th […]

Senator Andrew Chesney Denounces Weaponization of Elected Offices for use as a Political Tool

In response to the approval of legislation in Springfield on Friday that essentially weaponizes the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to go after non-profit pregnancy resource centers that offer counseling on alternatives to abortion, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement:   “Extremism is not a new topic of discussion in the political debate, […]

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 […]

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 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 […]