Senator Andrew Chesney to Host Unclaimed Property Event
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is partnering with the Illinois Treasurer’s Office to connect citizens from the 45th District with more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed property and cash. From 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 3, residents can meet with a counselor from the Treasurer’s Office at the Talcott Free Library in […]
Senator Andrew Chesney to Host Traveling Office Hours Throughout 45th District
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is hosting a series of traveling office hours events throughout the 45th Senate District this summer. The first events in the series will take place on Thursday, July 27, in South Beloit and Machesney Park. “The 45th District is geographically large, and I recognize that it is not convenient for […]
Senator Andrew Chesney Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling on No-Cash Bail
On Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled the no-cash bail provision of the SAFE-T Act is constitutional. In response to the ruling, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “I am disappointed with the partisan Supreme Court’s ruling because the Legislature did indeed infringe upon the rights and responsibilities of the judicial branch of […]
Unintended Consequences
The State of Illinois lost a great legislator last year when Republican State Representative and Floor Leader Mark Batinick retired. He was a fiscal hawk who was a true problem-solver. He did not promote a partisan agenda, but instead viewed policy ideas, regardless of who sponsored them, through a comprehensive lens of cost-benefit-consequence. Mark and […]
Over $510 Million to be Spent on District 45 Transportation Improvements in Six-Year Infrastructure Improvement Plan
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is pleased to announce that over $510 million in state and local highway improvements are coming to the 45th Senate District through the State of Illinois’ recently-unveiled six-year infrastructure improvement plan. “Illinois is the transportation hub of the Midwest, and I am pleased to see that maintaining and improving our […]
Senator Chesney Denounces Rockton Library Board’s Decision to Host Drag Show
On Monday night, the Talcott Free Library Board of Trustees failed to overturn a recently scheduled drag show event at the Rockton Library. The event has been billed as a place for youth to learn about drag queens, and prior to the meeting, a large group of protesters gathered outside to show their opposition or support of the […]
The Next Generation of Leaders in Illinois
There is no denying Illinois has an outmigration problem. And it is not just retired people leaving Illinois for warmer climates. The most recent data available show that Illinois is losing residents of all age ranges and income brackets. Census estimates claim Illinois’ population shrank by over 104,000 people between July 2021 and July 2022. […]
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
Legislators left Springfield toward the end of May with a record-high budget in place for the fiscal year that begins July 1 of this year. The budget and its implementation document, commonly known as the BIMP, are two of more than 500 bills that now await final action by the Governor. He can sign them, veto them in part […]
Senator Andrew Chesney Reacts to New Trump Indictment
News broke Thursday evening that former President Donald Trump has been indicted on charges connected to his handling of classified national security documents. In response to the news, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “This is a sad day for America. These are serious charges that President Trump will need to defend. […]
Chesney Urges Northwest Illinois Residents Not to Fall for Governor’s Fancy Budget Rhetoric during Freeport Visit
On Tuesday, June 6, Governor JB Pritzker brought his “budget amplification tour” to the City of Freeport. The Freeport visit is one of many across Illinois the Governor is using to garner support for the $50.6 billion budget just passed by the General Assembly. The budget passed despite bipartisan opposition. In response to the visit, […]