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 […]
Pritzker Rejects Federal Tax Relief
On Friday, December 12, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1911 into law, locking in higher taxes on Illinois businesses, manufacturers, and job creators. The new law rejects federal tax relief that was put in place to help employers invest, grow, and stay competitive, forcing Illinois companies to pay more just to operate here. Critics warn […]
Helping Pets Find Homes Before Christmas
On Saturday, my staff and I partnered with Friends Forever Humane Society to host one of my favorite events of the year. More than 40 people joined us at our Pet Rescue Fair to meet adoptable dogs and cats and help them find loving homes before Christmas. Following the event, Friends Forever Humane Society received […]
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 their farm in Pecatonica for 150 years, […]
Democrats Talk Affordability While Making Life in Illinois More Expensive
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Northern Illinois Council of Governments’ Legislative Luncheon. This annual meeting brings together eight state lawmakers from Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and Stephenson counties, along with local leaders and stakeholders, to discuss regional issues and the state’s legislative agenda. I always appreciate opportunities to meet with the people I […]
Senator Chesney’s Week in Review
Connecting With Local Ag Leaders and Students I stopped by the Northwest Illinois Ag Industry Expo at Highland Community College and had a great time talking with the ag businesses, organizations, and students there. A lot of high school and college students came out to learn more about careers in agriculture, and it was clear […]
Connecting With Local Ag Leaders and Students
I stopped by the Northwest Illinois Ag Industry Expo at Highland Community College and had a great time talking with the ag businesses, organizations, and students there. A lot of high school and college students came out to learn more about careers in agriculture, and it was clear how excited many of them are about […]