January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to an issue that often goes unseen and misunderstood. Human trafficking can take many forms and does not only occur overseas or in large cities. It can happen in communities of all sizes, including here in Illinois. Traffickers often use manipulation, false promises, or […]
Senator Chesney’s Week in Review
A Commitment to the 45th District and Our Shared Values Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. As we approach 2026 and the upcoming 105th General Assembly, I want to reassure the people of the 45th District that I will continue to stand up for what matters most to you while I’m in […]
Part 2: New Illinois Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026
Nearly 300 new laws will take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2026. Below is overview of notable new laws, organized by topic, with bill numbers included for reference. Public Safety & Criminal Justice SB 1422 (P.A. 104-0099): Enhances training requirements for frontline workers to identify and respond to human trafficking. HB 2602 (P.A. 104-0241): […]
A Commitment to the 45th District and Our Shared Values
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. As we approach 2026 and the upcoming 105th General Assembly, I want to reassure the people of the 45th District that I will continue to stand up for what matters most to you while I’m in Springfield. Illinois needs leaders who are willing to say what […]
Senator Chesney’s Week in Review
Transit Bailout Forces Illinois Families to Pay for Chicago’s Failures Governor Pritzker traveled to Union Station on Tuesday to sign Senate Bill 2111, a massive transit bailout that raises taxes and strips funding from communities outside Chicago to rescue a broken system the state refuses to reform. This law hikes costs on suburban families through […]
IDNR Accepting Applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, especially in rural areas. That is why I want to make sure local departments are aware of a funding opportunity that can help them get the equipment and training they need. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire […]
Part 1: New Illinois Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026
Nearly 300 new laws will take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2026. Below is overview of notable new laws, organized by topic, with bill numbers included for reference. Education HB 2801 (P.A. 104-0249): Requires ISBE to create a list of approved career and technical education (CTE) pathway opportunities. HB 2802 (P.A. 104-0250): Allows excused […]
Transit Bailout Forces Illinois Families to Pay for Chicago’s Failures
Governor Pritzker traveled to Union Station on Tuesday to sign Senate Bill 2111, a massive transit bailout that raises taxes and strips funding from communities outside Chicago to rescue a broken system the state refuses to reform. This law hikes costs on suburban families through higher sales taxes and punishes commuters who rely on toll […]
Senator Chesney’s Week in Review
Celebrating 150 Years of the Wiegert Farm Agriculture is a crucial part of Illinois’ identity, and the Wiegert family represents the very best of that tradition. I want to personally congratulate Mark and Terri Wiegert on receiving the official designation as a Sesquicentennial Farm. This recognition means the Wiegert family has maintained continuous ownership of […]
Pritzker Signs Law Allowing Assisted Suicide
Last week, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950 into law, allowing terminally ill adults to request life-ending medication. The law permits the drugs to be taken without a doctor present and fails to set clear standards for securing or recovering unused doses, raising serious questions about oversight and safety. Experts warn the policy puts seniors […]