Who is footing the bill? Rural taxpayers and small communities that will see minimal benefit in return.

For decades, Illinois has relied on a stable formula for distributing revenue from the sales tax paid on motor fuel. Historically, those dollars have been split 55% for downstate/rural transportation needs and 45% for transportation systems in the Chicago region. This long-standing structure acknowledged that while Chicagoland relies heavily on rail and bus networks, communities like ours outside the Chicagoland area must maintain thousands of miles of roads and bridges.

The new transit funding package throws that precedent out the window. Now, 85% of those dollars will go to a new transit authority that benefits Chicago and nearby suburbs, and only 15% will be left for everyone else, including those of us living in Northwest Illinois. That means Chicago transit will get about $731 million each year, while the rest of the state receives only $129 million. Rural areas lose nearly $473 million a year through this change, and Governor JB Pritzker is loudly supportive.

All told, taxpayers outside the Chicago region will now be forced to subsidize more than half a billion dollars every year to bail out Chicago’s transit system. Riders have long reported unreliable service, staffing shortages, deteriorating stations, and safety concerns. Yet instead of requiring reforms, performance benchmarks, or accountability, the legislature handed Chicago leaders a blank check and sent the invoice to the rest of the state.

Meanwhile, families and businesses outside of Chicago already shoulder higher transportation costs. We drive longer distances to work, school, hospitals, and grocery stores and depend on safe roads and bridges, yet we are expected to sacrifice even more, while receiving less. It is fundamentally unfair, but typical of how Illinois Democrats operate.

Illinois should not be a state where one region prospers at the direct expense of another. Additionally, significant financial and policy decisions should not be brokered while the public sleeps. And finally, taxpayers should not be treated like a bottomless piggy bank to bail out politically powerful interests.

Illinoisans deserve transparency, fairness, and a transportation system that serves the whole state, not just Chicagoland. Unfortunately, the passage of SB 2111 in the dead of night is just the latest example of how Illinois Democrats do business.

The post A 4:00 AM Public Transit Bailout That Robs Peter to Pay Paul appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Back in August 2020, while serving in the Illinois House of Representatives, I led an effort and joined two of my Republican colleagues in filing a petition under a specific House rule to launch a Special Investigating Committee into Madigan’s alleged misconduct. At the time, Madigan’s name had become synonymous with a sprawling federal investigation involving ComEd and a well-documented pattern of abuse of power that cast a long shadow over the Capitol.

The committee was supposed to be the General Assembly’s own mechanism for accountability. It was intended to be a means of determining whether one of our own had betrayed public trust. But from the beginning, that effort was stifled. The committee heard testimony from just one witness before it was abruptly shut down by Madigan’s right-hand man and ultimate successor as Speaker of the House, Chris Welch. When shutting down the committee, Welch called the effort “a sham show trial.”

When Welch ended the proceedings after hearing from just one witness, he shined a spotlight on a political culture in Springfield that prioritizes loyalty, power, and self-preservation over integrity and accountability.

Thank goodness the Feds saw Welch’s actions for what they were and forged ahead with their own investigation against Mike Madigan.

Although Madigan now sits behind bars, Illinois’ culture of corruption is still very much alive today.  The legislative response to this latest embarrassment has been silence, not reform. Several ethics reform bills have been filed by Republicans in both the House and the Senate, aiming to raise the ethical bar for elected officials. These proposals include commonsense measures like empowering watchdogs, improving transparency in lobbying, and strengthening investigative processes within the legislature.

Every one of these bills has sat untouched, blocked by Democrat leaders who appear far more interested in protecting the status quo than fixing a rotten system. In fact, when addressing the press corps before the first day of veto session this year, Speaker Welch said he did not intend to bring forward any ethics reforms during the fall session.

The refusal to even debate reforms filed by Republicans sends a message that corruption will only be punished when federal prosecutors get involved. That should alarm every Illinoisan who is tired of seeing their government operate like a criminal enterprise instead of a public institution.

The Madigan saga may have culminated in a conviction, but the culture that enabled him for decades remains intact. It is a culture that rewards silence, punishes whistleblowers, and protects those in power. Real change in Illinois will not come from a single resignation or a high-profile sentencing. It will come when the legislature finally chooses to clean house, not just symbolically, but structurally. Until then, the people of Illinois have every reason to remain skeptical of the promises made inside the Capitol.

We must stop pretending that accountability ends when the prison doors close behind a disgraced politician. True reform begins when we change the rules that allow any elected official who abuses their power to thrive in the first place.

The post A Prison Sentence Isn’t Enough to End Springfield’s Culture of Corruption appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

In the days that followed, some Democrats expressed regret over their conduct. But their words rang hollow. Less than two weeks later, when Congress considered a resolution to honor Charlie Kirk with a National Day of Remembrance, many of those same Democrats again put partisanship ahead of decency, turning what should have been a unanimous gesture into another round of bitter rhetoric.

When Congress took up the resolution, it was more than symbolic. It recognized a man who devoted his life to advancing liberty, faith, and civic responsibility. Charlie Kirk was just 31 years old when he was assassinated, and his death was not merely a tragedy for his family, friends, and colleagues. It was a tragedy for America.

Despite the deterioration of decorum, the resolution passed. In the U.S. House, 310 members voted in favor of it. Shockingly, 58 Democrats voted against it, and another 38 abstained. Some were even from Illinois, Charlie’s home state. Their refusal to support a simple, nonpartisan gesture of remembrance speaks volumes about the state of Illinois politics.

Charlie Kirk was a tireless advocate for principles that made America great: free speech, strong families, and individual responsibility. He energized millions of young Americans to get involved in public life and built Turning Point USA into one of the most influential grassroots conservative organizations in the country.

That is precisely why this resolution matters. It is not about elevating one man above others. It affirms that in America, ideas matter, civic engagement matters, and freedom is worth defending. Establishing a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk encourages the next generation to speak up, be bold, and carry the torch of liberty.

So why would so many Democrats refuse to vote for it? The answer is clear: partisan spite. For years, the Left demonized Charlie Kirk because he challenged their dominance on college campuses and in the media. He exposed their hypocrisy and energized young conservatives at a scale that terrified progressives. Even in death, they could not bring themselves to honor him.

Illinois Democrats, in particular, should be ashamed. Charlie Kirk grew up in Wheeling, Illinois. He was one of our own. For representatives from his home state to sit on their hands, or worse, vote against honoring him, was disgraceful.

At a time when political violence has reached alarming levels, one would hope all elected officials could condemn it and honor its victims. Instead, too many Democrats chose to play politics with a young husband and father’s memory. Their refusal to honor Charlie Kirk even in death speaks volumes about their character.

Charlie Kirk deserved far better from Congress. The passage of the resolution stands as a tribute to his legacy and the values he championed. But the vote itself also marks the political divide. It showed clearly who could rise above bitterness to honor a young husband and father whose life was stolen and who could not. History will remember Charlie Kirk as a tireless advocate for freedom. Sadly, it will also remember those too partisan, too small, and too consumed by spite to grant him even the dignity of remembrance.

The post Charlie Kirk Deserved Better from Democrats in Congress appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

The violent shooting death of Illinois-born Charlie Kirk exposed a darkness that must be addressed. Charlie was not assassinated because he was hateful or disrespectful. He was not silencing others or spewing venom. He was killed because he was winning the great political argument in the very places where liberal indoctrination thrives—on college campuses.

Charlie Kirk went directly into the lion’s den. He invited honest and free debate. He listened carefully, responded thoughtfully, and rooted his arguments in fact, love of country, and conservative values. He did not shout down opponents or belittle them. He offered them a platform. He modeled how to argue firmly while still treating others with respect.

Now compare that to Governor Pritzker. Just one month into President Donald Trump’s current term, during his State of the State Address, Governor Pritzker likened Republicans to Nazis and suggested Republicans were operating with a goal of dismantling our constitutional republic. “I do not invoke the specter of Nazis lightly,” he said, leaving no doubt about the parallels he intended to draw.

Then, in April, Pritzker declared, “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.” Just weeks later, at a New England press conference, he warned of a so-called “fascist takeover plan” by President Trump.

Time and again, Pritzker has employed Nazi, fascist, and authoritarian imagery to paint Republicans as existential threats. These comments were carefully crafted to incite anger, widen the political divide, and advance Pritzker’s political agenda.

Now, in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Pritzker has joined the calls for civility. However, his calls to tone down the rhetoric ring hollow when they come without any apology, recognition, or ownership of the role he himself has played in widening the political divide and encouraging hate, not just in Illinois, but across the country.

His rhetoric cannot be brushed aside as harmless political theater. Words matter. They can inform, inspire, and unite. But they can also inflame, indoctrinate, and divide. When leaders casually compare their political opponents to Nazis or fascists, they are purposely using inflamed rhetoric to scare people. And it is that very brand of toxic rhetoric that incites politically-motivated violence.

The truth is that our political opponents are not enemies on a battlefield. They are our neighbors, coworkers, and fellow citizens. We can and should argue passionately about the future of our communities. As the Senate’s most conservative member, that is something I do every day. But democracy depends on free and open debate, not intimidation or fear.

Governor Pritzker cannot credibly call for civility while continuing to brand his political opponents as Nazis or fascists. If he genuinely believes rhetoric must be toned down, he should start by acknowledging his own role in fueling the very divisions he now condemns.

As Americans, we must reject hate and recommit to honest debate. We must demonstrate that democracy remains strong enough to handle disagreement without descending into violence. That is the legacy Charlie Kirk sought to uphold, and it is the standard we must demand of our leaders.

The post Pritzker Fans the Flames, Then Pretends to Preach Civility appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Just over Labor Day weekend alone, more than 50 people were shot, and at least seven were killed. These headlines increasingly resemble dispatches from a war zone. The numbers do not reflect isolated tragedies. This is Chicago’s new normal.

And it’s not just Chicago. Rockford, which embraces the same anti-police and sanctuary city policies as Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, faces its own violent crime epidemic. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Rockford ranks 4th in the nation for violent crime per capita among cities with populations over 10,000. It recorded an estimated 1,149 violent incidents per 100,000 residents, with only Chicago Heights, Danville, and Peoria faring worse.

We also cannot forget the tragic and preventable death of Darcy Brunner, a Freeport resident killed in a car crash by an illegal immigrant with multiple felony DUIs and a felony assault conviction. After the incident, we learned that ICE had attempted to deport the driver, Ico-Choc, seven times, but each request was ignored due to restrictions under the TRUST Act, legislation that Governor Pritzker and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara continue to support.

It begs two questions: Why won’t Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and other Democrat leaders use every tool at their disposal to make Chicago and other large Illinois cities safe again? Why do they refuse to welcome assistance from the National Guard, or cooperate with federal authorities to restore law and order?

In my mind, the answer is simple: These radical leaders prioritize woke ideology over public safety. They oppose proven solutions because they know they will work. They fear that decisive action might validate the policies of President Donald Trump, even if it means saving innocent lives.

Meanwhile, families live in fear. Violent crime dominates weekends. Businesses are shuttering early or closing entirely. Yet Democrat leaders in Chicago and other large cities and Democrat lawmakers in Springfield continue to weaken deterrents, shield criminals, and undermine law enforcement. They’ve eliminated cash bail, softened criminal penalties, and implemented a revolving-door justice system that allows repeat offenders to often walk free within hours of an arrest.

The current policies don’t protect the public, they endanger it. They favor criminals over victims, and that must change.

Chicago police are frustrated, understaffed, and handcuffed by political interference. Cities like Chicago and Rockford must empower law enforcement, not vilify it. They must utilize every available resource—local, state, federal, and yes, even the National Guard, if necessary.

Public safety should be every elected official’s top priority because families deserve security, not excuses. Victims deserve justice, not bureaucratic neglect. Communities deserve peace, not danger and chaos.

With strong leadership, bold action, and real support for law enforcement, Illinois can reclaim its streets and restore law and order. Because without safety, there is no justice. Without safety, there is no freedom.

The post Why Won’t Governor Pritzker Make Illinois Safe Again? appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

A group of Texas House Democrats arrived in Illinois last week to avoid a quorum at the Texas State Capitol, blocking a mid-decade congressional redistricting vote they claim is a partisan power grab by Republicans. These lawmakers insist their actions are meant to defend democracy. Pritzker wasted no time rolling out the red carpet, offering public praise and, quite possibly, financial support as the lawmakers settle into suburban hotels and face $500-per-day fines for skipping legislative session days back home.

But the real story here isn’t what’s happening in Texas. It’s what already happened in Illinois.

Pritzker ran for governor in 2018 on a very specific promise that he would veto any gerrymandered maps drawn by politicians. “We should have an independent commission draw the maps,” he said on the campaign trail, echoing the calls of good-government advocates who have long argued that the redistricting process should be removed from the hands of politicians.

And yet, when the time came to act on that promise, Pritzker folded. In 2021, Illinois Democrats rammed through what many consider to be the most aggressively gerrymandered congressional and legislative maps in the country. The new congressional map gives Democrats control of 14 out of 17 congressional seats, despite the fact that Republicans consistently earn 40% to 45% percent of the statewide vote. District lines twist and snake across the state in a blatant attempt to carve up Republican voters and pack them into a few sprawling rural districts.

The Illinois maps are so egregiously partisan that Common Cause, a leading nonpartisan watchdog group, gave the state a failing grade of “F” for its redistricting process in a 2023 national report. According to the group, Illinois ranked dead last in transparency, public participation, and fairness.

Pritzker didn’t veto those maps as promised. He embraced them and signed them into law. Then he had the audacity to defend them, calling them constitutional and fair despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary from independent analysts and watchdog organizations.

So when the governor now calls Texas Republicans “cheaters” for trying to redraw maps mid-decade, it rings hollow. The truth is, Texas Republicans are playing the same game Illinois Democrats played in 2021 with the same goal: partisan advantage. The only difference is that Pritzker seems to have selective outrage depending on which party is holding the pen.

What’s truly offensive here isn’t just the double standard. It’s the smugness with which it’s delivered. Pritzker paints himself as a champion of voting rights and fair representation while presiding over the most gerrymandered maps in America. He accuses others of “changing the game midstream,” when he himself was a willing player in Illinois’ gerrymandering. And now, he offers political sanctuary to out-of-state Democrats as if Illinois were a model of democratic integrity.

Illinois voters deserve honesty. They deserve leaders who keep their promises— not ones who rewrite their principles when it’s politically convenient.

If Governor Pritzker truly believes what he’s now saying about gerrymandering, then he should start by cleaning up his own backyard. That means supporting an independent redistricting commission before 2030.

The post Is Pritzker the Pot or the Kettle in Texas Redistricting Game? appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

At the end of the current calendar year, Illinois is facing a $770 million “fiscal cliff” in public transportation funding, primarily due to years of mismanagement at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Instead of addressing the root causes, which include declining ridership, bloated budgets, or ineffective leadership, Democrats are pushing a plan that punishes everyone in Illinois, including residents of Northwest Illinois who rarely, if ever, use suburban Metra trains, suburban PACE buses, or the CTA’s buses and trains.

Under the Democrats’ plan, every delivery, whether it’s from Amazon, DoorDash, Instacart, Walmart, or a local pizza place, would be subject to a $1.50 fee. While some basics are technically exempt—like unprepared food or medication—add a rotisserie chicken or prepared cake to your online cart, and the tax kicks in. If you add a toothbrush or a bottle of shampoo to your prescription refill, the tax will be applied. It’s a regressive and confusing tax that penalizes working families, and it would be collected statewide.

This delivery tax is the epitome of regressive taxation. It hits low- and middle-income families the hardest. These are the individuals who often rely on delivery out of necessity, including single parents, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and rural residents without access to shopping centers. Yet, instead of offering relief, the state is demanding more from them to fund a public transit system that serves only a fraction of the state’s population.

And here’s the kicker: the tax doesn’t even apply evenly. Deliveries made by bicycle are exempt, which just so happens to benefit many areas of Chicago where bike delivery is common. So, while city residents find a convenient loophole, rural and suburban families are left paying the bill. This isn’t just bad policy, it’s targeted taxation.

It’s also geographically unjust. Why should taxpayers in Freeport, Rockton, Galena, Carbondale, or Quincy be forced to subsidize the Chicago Transit Authority when they don’t have access to those services and never voted for the leadership that ran them into the ground? It is the same classic big government thinking that is so commonplace in Illinois. Centralize power in Chicago, make decisions behind closed doors, and when things go sideways, send the bill to everyone else.

This proposal is a perfect example of what happens when one-party rule goes unchecked. There’s no real debate, no accountability, and no concern for how it affects downstate or suburban residents. Instead of tightening the belt in Chicago, the answer is always to raise taxes, shift blame, and double down on failed policies.

There is a better solution, one that does not rely on new taxes. Real reform starts with fiscal discipline, local control, and user accountability, not new taxes on people who had nothing to do with creating the problem. If the CTA is broken, Chicago should fix it. If ridership is down, leaders should rethink the service model. But don’t force families across Illinois to carry the load for a system that’s never served them.

For now, the bill has only passed in one chamber of the General Assembly. However, it still remains active and the liberal Chicago Senator who authored the legislation is still trying to line up support. We can expect the transit funding bill to return before the end of this year, and I will be a leading voice of opposition to this terrible proposal.

Illinois doesn’t need another tax. It needs leadership, accountability, and a serious conversation about how to deliver public services without bankrupting the people who pay the bills.

The post Illinois’ New Delivery Tax Proposal is a Chicago Bailout in Disguise appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

However, despite overwhelming support from parents, students, and community leaders who directly benefited from the program, Illinois’ Democrats allowed the program to expire at the end of 2023. Before the expiration date, families flooded the Capitol, pleaded with lawmakers, and shared emotional testimonies, but their voices were ignored. Republicans urged the continuation of the valued program and pointed to statistics from districts held by Democrats, where Invest in Kids participants were thriving in new classroom settings. Democrats turned a blind eye to indisputable proof of Invest in Kids’ success, rejected Republican arguments and pleas from families, and allowed the program to die.

The political pressure from teachers’ union bosses and the fat checks they write to legislators who do their bidding at the Capitol proved too powerful. By not extending Invest in Kids, Democrat legislators made their loyalties clear: they stood with union leadership, not with families in their districts who were seeking better educational opportunities for their kids.

Now, a new opportunity is emerging. Included in the sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Donald Trump on Independence Day is a federal school choice scholarship tax credit program, set to launch in 2027. The program offers a 100% federal tax credit for individuals who donate up to $1,700 to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) that provide scholarships to students from families earning up to 300% of the area median income. It’s a national version of what Illinois once had, but with federal backing and no expiration date.

However, for Illinois families to benefit, the state must choose to participate. The law requires governors to opt in and provide a list of SGOs that meet federal guidelines. It’s a simple administrative step, but one that carries enormous opportunities for families across the state.

This should be an easy choice for Governor Pritzker. There is no financial downside, because participation in the program doesn’t cost the state a dime. Public schools will still receive every dollar previously allocated to them. The scholarships are funded by private donations, incentivized by federal tax credits, not by shifting money away from public education budgets.

Yet, as with the Illinois “Invest in Kids,” politics may once again stand in the way. Teachers’ union bosses and their political allies in the Illinois House and Senate continue to argue that such programs divert resources from public schools, even when the dollars involved are entirely separate from existing public funding. It’s a talking point that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, but one that Democrats cling to in Springfield.

With regard to this significant opportunity for Illinois students who are struggling in their current schools, the spotlight again returns to the statehouse. Will Governor Pritzker and his legislative allies seize this second chance to support educational freedom and give working families real options? Or will they once again side with union bosses at the expense of the children who need access to better schools the most?

Parents across Illinois should watch this issue very closely. What happens next will speak volumes about the Democrat Majority’s priorities and make it clear who really holds the power in education policy.

The post Tax Credit Scholarship Program Gets a Second Chance; Will Pritzker Say Yes? appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Farming isn’t just a tradition in Illinois. It’s an economic powerhouse. Thanks to our rich soil, flat land, and favorable climate, Illinois ranks among the top states in the nation for corn and soybean production. These crops don’t just feed people. They’re also used for livestock feed, fuel, and countless everyday products. When you drive through rural Illinois and see endless fields of green, you’re witnessing a vital part of our economy at work.

But agriculture here isn’t only about crops. Livestock, especially hogs and cattle, play a significant role too. Animal farming and grain production are deeply interconnected. Livestock are fed with locally grown grain, and in return, they help fertilize the soil. It’s a sustainable cycle perfected by generations of Illinois farmers.

Beyond the fields, agriculture supports over a million jobs in Illinois, encompassing a range of industries, including food processing, equipment manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. It’s the backbone of our state’s economy, particularly in regions like Northwest Illinois.

What’s often overlooked, though, is that more than 95% of Illinois farms are family-owned. These farms are usually described as “land-rich but cash-poor,” meaning that while they hold significant value in land and equipment, they don’t necessarily have large amounts of liquid assets. This creates a considerable challenge when it comes to estate or “death” taxes.

When a farm is passed down after a death in the family, Illinois’ estate tax applies to land appraised at its current market value, regardless of whether the family intends to sell. With Illinois’ exemption of just $4 million, which is far below the federal exemption of over $13 million, many families are forced to sell land or equipment to cover the tax bill. That not only threatens the survival of individual farms but also undermines the next generation of farmers.

I am currently a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1688, which aims to protect family-owned farms by reforming the state’s estate tax laws. Illinois Democrats deliberately blocked this bill during the most recent legislative session. Despite having the resources to provide meaningful relief for farmers, Democrats chose to channel budget funds elsewhere. They funneled money toward a $40 million sports complex in Speaker of the House Chris Welch’s home district and earmarked more than $250 million for special projects in Democrat-held districts. That money could have gone a long way toward preserving Illinois’ family farms for future generations.

As you walk the fairgrounds this summer watching livestock shows, sampling local produce, or cheering at the tractor pulls, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the people behind it all. Farming is more than a job in Illinois. It’s a way of life, passed down through generations. We must do everything possible to ensure that the next generation of farmers can maintain Illinois’ standing as a top agricultural state in the nation and the world.

The post Celebrating Agriculture and Farmers During County Fair Season appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

In other words, it’s just another year in Democrat-controlled Illinois.

Not a single Republican voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025. At $55.2 billion, it is the largest budget in state history. And now, more than two weeks later, we’re still uncovering the depths of its reckless spending and egregious misdirection of funds.

Fed up with Democrats’ blatant disregard for the Illinois Constitution and their continued assault on transparency, I filed a legal challenge on June 5 against the unconstitutional, unethical, and backroom process used to jam through this bloated budget.

My lawsuit centers on a critical safeguard in the Illinois Constitution: the requirement that every bill be read on three separate days in each chamber. This rule exists to ensure thoughtful deliberation, prevent abuse, and protect the public. Yet year after year, Springfield insiders openly violate it by taking empty bills and stuffing them with last-minute budget language. This year, Democrats pasted all 3,363 pages of the budget into an existing empty “shell” bill. The move violated not only the three-readings rule but also completely bypassed standard committee hearing procedures.

We were handed the budget and asked to vote less than 48 hours after it was made public. That’s not just a breach of protocol; it’s a betrayal of the public trust. I believe the courts will agree.

So, what’s actually in this budget? Nearly $1 billion in new tax hikes and one-time gimmicks. This is on top of the $1 billion in tax increases Democrats forced through just one year ago. It also includes fat pay raises for legislators and hundreds of millions in pork projects earmarked exclusively for Democrat-held districts. There is ongoing taxpayer funding for free healthcare and other services for illegal immigrants. And there’s also this gem: The Speaker of the House snuck a $40 million line item  into the budget to fund a new sportsplex in his home district. Is it any wonder they didn’t want Republicans or the public to see the budget ahead of time?

And what’s not in this budget? There is absolutely no property tax relief for families crushed under the highest property tax burdens in the nation. In fact, a small, yet critical tax relief program for residents in high-tax areas was eliminated altogether. There’s also no plan to help working families manage the skyrocketing energy bills expected this summer.

Simply put, this is the most irresponsible, politically motivated, and constitutionally dubious budget I’ve seen in my time serving in both the Illinois House and Senate.

Since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois’ state spending has exploded by nearly $15 billion, an increase of almost 40%. For context, it took every governor before him 200 years to grow the state’s budget to $30 billion. Governor Pritzker has nearly doubled that in just six years.

The people of Illinois deserve better than this. They deserve a government that plays by the rules, not one that rewrites the rules in the dead of night.

My lawsuit is not just about one corrupt budget. It is about whether our state’s Constitution, and the public trust it represents, means anything at all.

I will continue to fight for a government that works for the people of Illinois and not against them, and invite any lawmaker who feels the same way to join me.

The post Another Year, Another Backwards Budget for Illinois appeared first on Andrew Chesney.