This budget should outrage any reasonable person: it includes nearly $56 billion in total spending, $800 million in new taxes, a $150 million sweep from gas sales tax revenue, and hundreds of millions of dollars in spending on programs for illegal immigrants.

While families battle sky-high property taxes, crushing utility bills, and an economy that continues to lag the nation, we need real leadership focused on fixing our problems. Instead, we got a governor who treats Springfield like a pit stop on his national political tour.

Just look at the numbers. Pritzker spent only 22 days in Springfield during the most critical moments of the legislative session. That is it! He held a grand total of 14 in-person meetings with rank-and-file legislators all spring. Only one of those meetings involved the Bears stadium negotiations.

Being governor of Illinois apparently annoys J.B. Pritzker. While he takes private jets around the country trying to build his national profile, major priorities here at home are collapsing: the Bears stadium deal, a responsible budget, and real relief for working families. This part-time approach is failing Illinois.

Take our education system that Pritzker loves to talk about. School transportation and special education remain severely underfunded. The state is covering just 66 percent of transportation costs, shortchanging districts by 34 percent. Special education transportation is underfunded by 45 percent, and special education tuition by 38 percent. Local taxpayers are left holding the bag with higher property taxes just so kids can get to class.

The same story is playing out with your utility bills. In Ameren territory, electricity rates have exploded from 8.64 cents per kWh in 2019 to about 22 cents per kWh today, a more than 150 percent increase. ComEd customers are staring down another 12 percent hike this summer. No serious legislation to bring relief. Why? Because Pritzker views Illinois as a fly-over state while he chases bigger ambitions.

The economic numbers do not lie. Illinois now has the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest at 5.1 percent, fourth highest in the nation. From 2019 to 2024, we added jobs at just 4.5 percent, the worst rate among our neighbors. Indiana created 38 percent more jobs proportionally. Missouri added 36 percent more. Even Wisconsin outperformed us. Our real GDP grew just 6.5 percent from 2019 to 2025, less than half the national average. Real personal income grew only 6.2 percent versus 13.6 percent nationally. Despite record spending, Illinois is bleeding residents and opportunity. Heck, even the Governor can’t wait to leave for a bigger house.

A lot of success in any job comes down to just showing up. Pritzker can’t even do that. Governors set the tone for state government. When the governor’s attention is elsewhere, Illinois families pay the price: higher taxes, worse services, a $56 billion budget and a state falling further behind.

Illinois deserves better. We deserve a governor who is fully engaged in solving our challenges, not one who treats our state as a stepping stone to higher office. It is time to demand accountability and real leadership in Springfield.

The post Senator Chesney’s Column: Pritzker’s Part-Time Governorship Delivers a Record $56 Billion Tax-and-Spend Disaster appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Recognizing the Work of DaVita Kidney Care

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit DaVita Kidney Care in Freeport and meet with the dedicated team that provides critical care for patients throughout our region.

During my visit, I learned more about the dialysis process and the important role DaVita plays in helping individuals manage kidney disease. It was an informative discussion that gave me a greater appreciation for the challenges many patients face and the commitment required to provide high-quality care.

One of the most meaningful parts of the visit was meeting with patients receiving treatment and hearing firsthand about their experiences. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible, compassionate healthcare and the impact it can have on individuals and families.

I want to thank the entire team at DaVita Kidney Care for welcoming me and for the outstanding work they do each day. I look forward to continuing to learn more about their efforts and seeing the positive impact they continue to make in our community.

Pritzker Signs $56 Billion Bloated Budget

Last Tuesday, Governor J.B. Pritzker finally signed Illinois’ massive nearly $56 billion state budget into law. This marks another Democrat abuse of power to give us bigger government, higher taxes, and out-of-touch priorities that hammer families across Illinois.

This because we have an absentee governor. While Pritzker was busy chasing national fame and photo-ops, he spent a laughable 22 days in Springfield during the most critical stretch of the spring session. That is a part-time governor treating our state like a quick pit stop. He is completely disengaged.

This bloated budget piles nearly $1 billion in new taxes and fees on hardworking taxpayers already crushed by rising costs for groceries, utilities, housing, and fuel. And that $150 million gas tax surplus you and I paid at the pump? It is not coming back to give drivers any relief. A big portion is instead being diverted to programs for illegal immigrants.

Illinois families deserve a governor who actually shows up and fights for us, not one who uses our state as a launching pad for bigger ambitions. Enough with the reckless spending sprees. I will keep standing for responsible budgets and policies that put Illinois taxpayers first, not last.

Be sure to check out my full column coming out tomorrow, where I go deeper into this budget disaster.

Orangeville’s Tessa Janecke Selected Third Overall in PWHL Draft

Following her historic Olympic gold medal performance with Team USA, Orangeville native Tessa Janecke has added another remarkable achievement to her already impressive career. Tessa was selected third overall in the Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft by the expansion Las Vegas franchise.

Tessa’s success is a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. From representing Team USA on the international stage to earning this incredible opportunity at the professional level, she continues to make our district proud and serves as an inspiration to young athletes across northwest Illinois.

To recognize her outstanding accomplishments, I was proud to sponsor a Senate resolution honoring Tessa for her Olympic gold medal and her contributions to the sport of hockey and our region. It is important that we celebrate individuals who represent our communities with excellence and serve as role models for the next generation.

Congratulations again to Tessa on this exciting new chapter. We will all be cheering her on as she begins her professional career in Las Vegas.

Pritzker’s Green Agenda Closes Three More Illinois Power Plants

Vistra Corp. just announced it is closing three major Illinois power plants in Baldwin, Kincaid, and Newton, delivering another painful blow to our state caused directly by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s disastrous green energy agenda.

Hundreds of hardworking Illinoisans will lose their jobs. Newton will lay off 83 workers in October 2027, Kincaid will cut 99 in January 2028, and Baldwin will lose 122 in February 2028. These are good-paying jobs in communities that can’t afford to lose them.

For years, myself and others have warned this day was coming. Pritzker’s 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) forced a reckless rush to shut down reliable coal and natural gas plants with no realistic backup plan in place. Now the consequences are hitting home: weaker grid reliability and skyrocketing costs for families and businesses across Illinois.

This is exactly what we predicted. Pritzker and his Democrat supermajority put radical ideology ahead of reality, and Illinois families are paying the price with higher electricity bills and less dependable power.

Illinois needs a balanced, all-of-the-above energy policy that protects jobs, keeps power affordable and reliable, and stops sacrificing our workers on the altar of green fantasies. I will continue advocating to reverse this madness before more plants close and more families suffer.

Mount Carroll I-PASS On Demand Event Wednesday

I am inviting residents to join Mount Carroll Mayor Carl Bates and I for an upcoming I-PASS On Demand Event on Wednesday, June 24, in Mount Carroll.

This event is a great opportunity for residents to return their old I-PASS transponders, receive a new I-PASS Sticker Tag, and get help managing their accounts. Staff will also be available to assist with transferring deposit balances and helping residents pay invoices without additional fees or fines.

The event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Community Center, located at 631 South East Street in Mount Carroll.

The new I-PASS Sticker Tags are battery-free, environmentally friendly, and can be used on both Illinois Tollway and E-ZPass roadways after activation.

I encourage anyone with questions about their I-PASS account or who needs to replace an older transponder to stop by. Events like this are a simple but important way to connect residents with helpful state services closer to home.

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

Hundreds of hardworking Illinoisans will lose their jobs. Newton will lay off 83 workers in October 2027, Kincaid will cut 99 in January 2028, and Baldwin will lose 122 in February 2028. These are good-paying jobs in communities that can’t afford to lose them.

For years, myself and others have warned this day was coming. Pritzker’s 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) forced a reckless rush to shut down reliable coal and natural gas plants with no realistic backup plan in place. Now the consequences are hitting home: weaker grid reliability and skyrocketing costs for families and businesses across Illinois.

This is exactly what we predicted. Pritzker and his Democrat supermajority put radical ideology ahead of reality, and Illinois families are paying the price with higher electricity bills and less dependable power.

Illinois needs a balanced, all-of-the-above energy policy that protects jobs, keeps power affordable and reliable, and stops sacrificing our workers on the altar of green fantasies. I will continue advocating to reverse this madness before more plants close and more families suffer.

The post Pritzker’s Green Agenda Closes Three More Illinois Power Plants appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

This because we have an absentee governor. While Pritzker was busy chasing national fame and photo-ops, he spent a laughable 22 days in Springfield during the most critical stretch of the spring session. That is a part-time governor treating our state like a quick pit stop. He is completely disengaged.

This bloated budget piles nearly $1 billion in new taxes and fees on hardworking taxpayers already crushed by rising costs for groceries, utilities, housing, and fuel. And that $150 million gas tax surplus you and I paid at the pump? It is not coming back to give drivers any relief. A big portion is instead being diverted to programs for illegal immigrants.

Illinois families deserve a governor who actually shows up and fights for us, not one who uses our state as a launching pad for bigger ambitions. Enough with the reckless spending sprees. I will keep standing for responsible budgets and policies that put Illinois taxpayers first, not last.

Be sure to check out my full column coming out tomorrow, where I go deeper into this budget disaster.

The post Pritzker Signs Nearly $56 Billion Bloated Budget appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Tessa’s success is a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. From representing Team USA on the international stage to earning this incredible opportunity at the professional level, she continues to make our district proud and serves as an inspiration to young athletes across northwest Illinois.

To recognize her outstanding accomplishments, I was proud to sponsor a Senate resolution honoring Tessa for her Olympic gold medal and her contributions to the sport of hockey and our region. It is important that we celebrate individuals who represent our communities with excellence and serve as role models for the next generation.

Congratulations again to Tessa on this exciting new chapter. We will all be cheering her on as she begins her professional career in Las Vegas.

The post Orangeville’s Tessa Janecke Selected Third Overall in PWHL Draft appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

During my visit, I learned more about the dialysis process and the important role DaVita plays in helping individuals manage kidney disease. It was an informative discussion that gave me a greater appreciation for the challenges many patients face and the commitment required to provide high-quality care.

One of the most meaningful parts of the visit was meeting with patients receiving treatment and hearing firsthand about their experiences. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible, compassionate healthcare and the impact it can have on individuals and families.

I want to thank the entire team at DaVita Kidney Care for welcoming me and for the outstanding work they do each day. I look forward to continuing to learn more about their efforts and seeing the positive impact they continue to make in our community.

The post Recognizing the Work of DaVita Kidney Care appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

No Room for Error When Protecting Children

One of the most important responsibilities we have as lawmakers is protecting children, especially those who have been victimized by sexual predators. That is why I was proud to help pass legislation this spring that strengthens important legal protections for child victims of sex crimes.

House Bill 3393 makes targeted updates to Illinois law governing the use of closed-circuit television testimony for child victims. These protections allow young victims to testify outside the traditional courtroom setting, helping reduce additional trauma while ensuring their voices can still be heard.

While these safeguards have been available in Illinois for several years, concerns were raised that portions of the law could face constitutional challenges in court. Rather than wait and risk seeing these protections weakened or overturned, we worked proactively to strengthen the statute and ensure it can withstand legal scrutiny.

I was proud to work alongside Representative Adam Niemerg and a broad coalition of stakeholders to advance this legislation after years of work. By reinforcing these protections now, we can help ensure young victims continue to have access to them when they need them most.

Celebrating a Great Illinois Tradition

Summer in Illinois means fair season, and I am encouraging everyone in the 45th District to get out and enjoy their local county fairs this year.

County fairs are one of the best opportunities we have to celebrate the people and industries that keep Illinois moving forward. They showcase the hard work of our farmers, young people involved in 4-H and FFA, local businesses, volunteers, and countless community organizations. From livestock shows and exhibit halls to grandstand entertainment and local food vendors, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Growing up, county fairs were always a reminder of what makes our communities special. They bring people together and provide an opportunity to support the small businesses and agricultural producers who play such an important role in our state’s economy.

Most importantly, county fairs remind us of the strong agricultural roots that continue to shape Illinois today. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to attend a fair this summer, support local exhibitors and vendors, and enjoy one of Illinois’ great traditions. I look forward to seeing many of you at county fairs across the 45th District in the months ahead.

For more information on your local 2026 County Fair Schedule visit Illinois Department of Agriculture 2026 County Fair Schedule.

Pritzker Opts Illinois Out of America’s 250th Celebration

As America begins celebrating its 250th birthday, communities across our nation are coming together to honor the history and achievements that make this country the best.

One of the signature events is the “Great American State Fair” in Washington, D.C., a showcase of all 50 states and U.S. territories on the National Mall. Unfortunately, Governor Pritzker chose not to have Illinois officially participate.

Once again, our governor is putting politics ahead of an opportunity to celebrate our state and our country.

Thankfully, the Peoria Riverfront Museum stepped up where state leadership would not. The museum is representing Illinois with a pavilion highlighting our state’s contributions to agriculture, architecture, sports, and the people who have helped shape our nation.

Illinois has a proud story to tell. We are the Land of Lincoln, the heart of America’s transportation network, an agricultural powerhouse, and home to generations of hardworking families who embody the American spirit.

As our nation approaches this historic milestone, we should be celebrating America’s success and proudly sharing Illinois’ contributions with the rest of the country. I’m grateful that organizations like the Peoria Riverfront Museum are willing to do what Governor Pritzker can’t: proudly represent the great state of Illinois.

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

County fairs are one of the best opportunities we have to celebrate the people and industries that keep Illinois moving forward. They showcase the hard work of our farmers, young people involved in 4-H and FFA, local businesses, volunteers, and countless community organizations. From livestock shows and exhibit halls to grandstand entertainment and local food vendors, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Growing up, county fairs were always a reminder of what makes our communities special. They bring people together and provide an opportunity to support the small businesses and agricultural producers who play such an important role in our state’s economy.

Most importantly, county fairs remind us of the strong agricultural roots that continue to shape Illinois today. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to attend a fair this summer, support local exhibitors and vendors, and enjoy one of Illinois’ great traditions. I look forward to seeing many of you at county fairs across the 45th District in the months ahead.

For more information on your local 2026 County Fair Schedule visit Illinois Department of Agriculture 2026 County Fair Schedule.

The post Celebrating a Great Illinois Tradition appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

One of the signature events is the “Great American State Fair” in Washington, D.C., a showcase of all 50 states and U.S. territories on the National Mall. Unfortunately, Governor Pritzker chose not to have Illinois officially participate.

Once again, our governor is putting politics ahead of an opportunity to celebrate our state and our country.

Thankfully, the Peoria Riverfront Museum stepped up where state leadership would not. The museum is representing Illinois with a pavilion highlighting our state’s contributions to agriculture, architecture, sports, and the people who have helped shape our nation.

Illinois has a proud story to tell. We are the Land of Lincoln, the heart of America’s transportation network, an agricultural powerhouse, and home to generations of hardworking families who embody the American spirit.

As our nation approaches this historic milestone, we should be celebrating America’s success and proudly sharing Illinois’ contributions with the rest of the country. I’m grateful that organizations like the Peoria Riverfront Museum are willing to do what Governor Pritzker can’t: proudly represent the great state of Illinois.

The post Pritzker Opts Illinois Out of America’s 250th Celebration appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

House Bill 3393 makes targeted updates to Illinois law governing the use of closed-circuit television testimony for child victims. These protections allow young victims to testify outside the traditional courtroom setting, helping reduce additional trauma while ensuring their voices can still be heard.

While these safeguards have been available in Illinois for several years, concerns were raised that portions of the law could face constitutional challenges in court. Rather than wait and risk seeing these protections weakened or overturned, we worked proactively to strengthen the statute and ensure it can withstand legal scrutiny.

I was proud to work alongside Representative Adam Niemerg and a broad coalition of stakeholders to advance this legislation after years of work. By reinforcing these protections now, we can help ensure young victims continue to have access to them when they need them most.

The post No Room for Error When Protecting Children appeared first on Andrew Chesney.