Senator Chesney Responds to Mayor-Elect Johnson’s Speech to Joint Session of General Assembly
This week lawmakers got their first glimpse of Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson’s political and economic agenda when he spoke to a joint session of the Senate and House. His 40-minute speech was full of new costly initiatives, but silent on how the incoming mayor of Illinois’ largest city would pay for it. “This sounded more […]
Senator Chesney’s Column: An End to the Emergency Proclamations
More than three years after they started, it appears the COVID-19 disaster proclamations are finally coming to an end. It was on March 9, 2020 when Governor Pritzker issued his first disaster declaration in response to COVID-19, allowing him to impose sweeping emergency powers free of legislative input and oversight. At the time, most Illinoisans […]
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, […]
Senator Chesney Calls News of Indictment Against Former President Donald Trump “Unethical and a Huge Threat to Democracy”
Today in New York City, news of an indictment against former President Donald Trump was made public. It was filed under seal and specifics will be announced in the coming days. In response to the announcement, Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “I am extremely disappointed that District Attorney Bragg […]
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 […]