ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR
45TH DISTRICT

J.B. Pritzker: Stop Playing Politics and Put Illinois Students First

Senator Chesney's Guest Column

A major opportunity for Illinois families awaits Governor Pritzker, and once again, the question is whether he will play politics or listen to the people. President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” created the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, which gives states the option to opt in and deliver real relief to students and families. The […]

Senator Chesney’s Week in Review

Chesney Week In Review copy

Agriculture Advisory Committee Addresses Challenges Facing Local Farmers I had a great discussion in Freeport with members of our Agriculture Advisory Committee, where we focused on the real challenges facing farmers across our region. Rising property taxes and high fertilizer prices continue to put pressure on family operations, and we talked at length about the […]

Ogle County Farmers Share Concerns on Energy, Regulations, and Land Rights

Ogle County Farmers Share Concerns on Energy, Regulations, and Land Rights 1

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Ogle County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting and spend time with the people who keep our agricultural economy strong. We had a productive conversation about the challenges facing agriculture today, including rising energy costs, burdensome regulations, and concerns surrounding wind and solar projects and the protection of landowner […]

Forced to Pay for Abortions: Illinois Democrats Push HB 5408

Forced to Pay for Abortions: Illinois Democrats Push HB 5408

As you all know, here in the 45th District, we stand for traditional values, real conservatism, and protecting both life and the hardworking taxpayers of Illinois. That’s why I have a responsibility to speak out when dangerous legislation comes forward. House Bill 5408 would create a state-run fund to bankroll abortions for individuals without insurance […]

Connecting with Local Firefighters in Shannon

Connecting with Local Firefighters in Shannon

I had the opportunity this weekend to attend the Firemen’s Breakfast in Shannon. It was a great chance to spend time with the men and women who protect our communities day in and day out. I appreciated the chance to hear directly from them. You can tell in those conversations how much they care about […]

Agriculture Advisory Committee Addresses Challenges Facing Local Farmers

Agriculture Advisory Committee Addresses Challenges Facing Local Farmers

I had a great discussion in Freeport with members of our Agriculture Advisory Committee, where we focused on the real challenges facing farmers across our region. Rising property taxes and high fertilizer prices continue to put pressure on family operations, and we talked at length about the importance of passing the Family Farm Preservation Act […]

Wishing You a Blessed Good Friday and Easter Weekend

Good Friday

As we observe Good Friday, I want to take a moment to reflect on its meaning.  For many, today is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the depth of His love. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, faith and humility can carry us forward.  “For God […]

Senator Chesney’s Week in Review

Chesney Week In Review copy

Another Life Killed by Failed Democrat Immigration Policies Once again, Illinois Democrats and their weak leader, Gov. JB Pritzker, are responsible for another preventable tragedy. Their failed, anti-American immigration policies have cost another innocent life. In the early morning hours of March 19, Sheridan Gorman, a young woman with her whole future ahead of her […]

Genoa-Kingston FFA Students Visit Capitol

Andrew Chesney with FFA Students

It was great to see Genoa-Kingston FFA members at the Capitol. I had a strong conversation with this next generation of agricultural leaders about the paths they are pursuing and the role they want to play in Illinois’ agriculture industry. It’s clear they are thinking seriously about the future and how they can make a […]

Cherry Pie Day Shows Strength of Homeschool Families

Andrew Chesney Giving Speech

Not long ago, Illinois Democrats pushed a bill that would have imposed new requirements on homeschool families, restricting their educational freedom. What followed was something Democrats didn’t expect. More than 40,000 witness slips were filed in opposition, and families showed up in force at the Capitol. Homeschool families made their voices heard, and they won. […]