Andrew Chesney

ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR
45TH DISTRICT

Local Control Under Attack: Why Governor Pritzker Wants to Eliminate Township Government

Township government is often about neighbors helping neighbors. From the quality of schools and libraries to the parks we enjoy, we rely on local leaders to make decisions that align with the priorities of their constituents. Township government is a crucial part of this framework. It’s the most local, most accountable, and most efficient form […]

Agriculture: Celebrating the Heart of Illinois’ Economy

National Agriculture Week recently wrapped up, and in Illinois, the week is the perfect time to remember and celebrate the essential role farming and agriculture play in our daily lives. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and innovations of farmers and agribusiness professionals who drive not only the nation’s food […]

Local Municipal Elections Have the Greatest Impact On Our Daily Lives

It’s always inspiring to witness high voter turnout during a Presidential election as people come together to make their voices heard and choose our nation’s leader. But imagine if we could bring that same energy and enthusiasm to local municipal consolidated elections, where the decisions made have the greatest impact on our daily lives. Local […]

Illinois Democrats Take Aim at Homeschool Families

In a state with limitless opportunity yet vast room for improvement in many areas of state government, one thing we do very well in the Land of Lincoln is our “hands-off” approach toward those who choose to homeschool their kids. Illinois has a stellar reputation for respecting parents’ rights to make informed and autonomous decisions […]

Engaging With Your State Government

The 104th General Assembly is now in session, and in the coming weeks, thousands of bills will be filed in both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. These bills will shape the future of our state, with many reaching the floor for votes after being reviewed in committees. In a state where legislation often […]

Lame Duck Sessions are Dangerous; Here’s Why

Following the November presidential election, Governor JB Pritzker announced that he and his allies would “Trump-Proof” Illinois before Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration as our 47th President. They wasted no time calling legislators back to the Capitol for a “lame-duck” session. While in Springfield for this special session did we discuss tax relief for struggling […]

Lame Duck Session Brings More Bad Bills to Illinoisans

Following the November presidential election, Governor JB Pritzker announced that he and his allies would “Trump-Proof” Illinois before Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration as our 47th President. They wasted no time calling legislators back to the Capitol for a “lame-duck” session. While in Springfield for this special session did we discuss tax relief for struggling […]

IL Democrats Take Gerrymandering to a New Level

In my last column, I discussed the importance of Voter ID in addressing voter fraud and protecting democracy. Another significant threat to democracy is the gerrymandering of legislative maps, a practice that distorts fair representation and undermines voter choice. Democrats do it in Democrat-controlled states and Republicans do it in Republican-controlled states. But I would […]

Senator Andrew Chesney to Host IPASS on Demand Event in Elizabeth on December 9

State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is bringing a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to Elizabeth on December 9 for an IPASS on Demand event. “The Tollway is transitioning away from plastic transponders and are replacing them with new sticker technology,” said Chesney. “Rather than having my constituents complete this transaction at the DMV or […]