Archery Deer Season Underway in Illinois

Bow season is finally here!

Archery deer season opened October 1, giving hunters across the state another opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy one of Illinois’ great hunting traditions.

For most counties, archery season runs through January 17 with breaks during portions of firearm season. Hunters should remember that no more than two antlered deer may be harvested during the year across youth, archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons combined.

If you are heading into the woods this fall, take a few minutes beforehand to make sure your permits and licenses are in order and review the rules for hunting hours, legal equipment and clothing requirements. Regulations can vary depending on the time of season and where you are hunting.

Most importantly, hunt safely, respect the land and enjoy your time outdoors. Good luck to everyone heading out this season.

Hunters can review the complete 2026-2027 Illinois Archery Deer Hunting Rules and Regulations through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

LIHEAP Funds Now Available

As families continue to deal with the high cost of everyday necessities, help is now available for Illinois residents who are struggling to keep up with their utility bills.

Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, opened October 1. Applications will remain open through August 13, 2027, or until funding runs out.

Right now, applications are open to adults age 60 and older, individuals with a disability, families with a child age five or younger, and households facing a utility shutoff or running low on propane. All other income-eligible households can begin applying November 1.

When a heating or electric bill suddenly jumps, families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for groceries or other necessities. If you or someone you know may qualify for this assistance, I encourage you to look into the program and apply.

For eligibility information or to apply, visit the DCEO LIHEAP website or call 1-833-711-0374.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention to a disease that impacts thousands of Illinois families every year.

Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in Illinois. While it is not as common, men can also develop the disease, making awareness important for everyone.

Advances in screening and treatment have helped improve outcomes over the years. Early detection can play an important role, which is why October is a good time to make sure you are staying on top of your health and having conversations with your healthcare provider about when screening may be right for you.

Most of us know someone who has faced breast cancer, whether it is a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder of the value of early detection and the resources available to those who may need them.

For more information about breast cancer and screening resources, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Calling for Repeal of Five New Taxes and Fees

Illinois families and businesses already pay some of the highest taxes in the country, but rather than getting serious about state spending, Democrats in Springfield continue looking for new places to find more money.

I’m calling for the repeal of five new taxes and fees approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 revenue package. The measures target digital assets, targeted digital advertising, exchange wagers and fantasy sports.

Some of these new taxes are already tied up in court. Lawsuits have been filed challenging both the Digital Asset Tax and the Targeted Advertising Services Tax, alleging violations of federal law and constitutional protections.

In fact, questions surrounding the targeted advertising tax existed before it was even enacted. When Democrats passed the FY27 budget, they did not count on collecting revenue from the tax during the fiscal year because a legal challenge was already expected.

Taxpayers should not be stuck footing the bill to defend questionable new taxes that never should have been passed in the first place. Instead of constantly searching for another source of revenue, Springfield needs to take a serious look at its spending and start respecting the people who are paying the bills.

The post Senator Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

I’m calling for the repeal of five new taxes and fees approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 revenue package. The measures target digital assets, targeted digital advertising, exchange wagers and fantasy sports.

Some of these new taxes are already tied up in court. Lawsuits have been filed challenging both the Digital Asset Tax and the Targeted Advertising Services Tax, alleging violations of federal law and constitutional protections.

In fact, questions surrounding the targeted advertising tax existed before it was even enacted. When Democrats passed the FY27 budget, they did not count on collecting revenue from the tax during the fiscal year because a legal challenge was already expected.

Taxpayers should not be stuck footing the bill to defend questionable new taxes that never should have been passed in the first place. Instead of constantly searching for another source of revenue, Springfield needs to take a serious look at its spending and start respecting the people who are paying the bills.

The post Calling for Repeal of Five New Taxes and Fees appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in Illinois. While it is not as common, men can also develop the disease, making awareness important for everyone.

Advances in screening and treatment have helped improve outcomes over the years. Early detection can play an important role, which is why October is a good time to make sure you are staying on top of your health and having conversations with your healthcare provider about when screening may be right for you.

Most of us know someone who has faced breast cancer, whether it is a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder of the value of early detection and the resources available to those who may need them.

For more information about breast cancer and screening resources, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The post October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, opened October 1. Applications will remain open through August 13, 2027, or until funding runs out.

Right now, applications are open to adults age 60 and older, individuals with a disability, families with a child age five or younger, and households facing a utility shutoff or running low on propane. All other income-eligible households can begin applying November 1.

When a heating or electric bill suddenly jumps, families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for groceries or other necessities. If you or someone you know may qualify for this assistance, I encourage you to look into the program and apply.

For eligibility information or to apply, visit the DCEO LIHEAP website or call 1-833-711-0374.

The post LIHEAP Funds Now Available appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Archery deer season opened October 1, giving hunters across the state another opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy one of Illinois’ great hunting traditions.

For most counties, archery season runs through January 17 with breaks during portions of firearm season. Hunters should remember that no more than two antlered deer may be harvested during the year across youth, archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons combined.

If you are heading into the woods this fall, take a few minutes beforehand to make sure your permits and licenses are in order and review the rules for hunting hours, legal equipment and clothing requirements. Regulations can vary depending on the time of season and where you are hunting.

Most importantly, hunt safely, respect the land and enjoy your time outdoors. Good luck to everyone heading out this season.

Hunters can review the complete 2026-2027 Illinois Archery Deer Hunting Rules and Regulations through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The post Archery Deer Season Underway in Illinois appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

The Governor revealed that he has lost 80 pounds over the last two years. Part of his success, Pritzker says, has come from using a GLP-1 medication after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Whether someone chooses to use a GLP-1 is a personal medical decision, but the Governor’s announcement also raises a much bigger question about who can access these medications and what they cost.

Pritzker is out of touch. The cost of healthcare and medication is irrelevant to the inherited billionaire. That puts him in a very different position from many families who walk into a pharmacy and discover how much a prescription will cost.

Pritzker himself attempted to acknowledge the problem. While discussing his experience, he said many Illinoisans face the same health challenges, but that expanding coverage of these medications is not feasible.

That is where I believe the conversation should go next.

Rather than focusing solely on one politician’s weight-loss journey, we should talk about what can be done to bring down prescription drug costs and give patients greater access to medications their doctors believe could improve their health.

Significant efforts are already underway at the federal level to address prescription drug costs.

The Trump Administration has pursued a most-favored-nation strategy aimed at bringing the prices Americans pay for certain medications closer to prices paid in other developed countries. The Administration has now reached agreements with 26 pharmaceutical manufacturers that represent nearly 90 percent of the branded drug market.

That effort now extends to Medicaid. Under a new federal payment model, participating pharmaceutical manufacturers will provide state Medicaid programs with rebates on hundreds of expensive brand-name medications, including drugs used to treat diabetes, cancer and asthma, with the goal of bringing final Medicaid prices in line with most-favored-nation pricing.

Efforts also target consumers directly. TrumpRx, launched earlier this year, provides another avenue for patients to access discounted medications outside of traditional insurance coverage. Patients have saved more than $700 million through TrumpRx since its February launch.

These policies will not suddenly make every prescription affordable for every patient, and some of their projected long-term savings still need to be measured as they are implemented. But they show the different approaches available to policymakers trying to address prescription drug costs.

Illinois has choices to make too.

Additionally, if Governor Pritzker believes Illinois cannot afford to expand access to these medications, then we should be willing to have an honest conversation about our spending priorities. The state is still budgeting billions of dollars every year for Illegals and other wasteful programs.

Every dollar in the state budget represents a choice. We should keep examining lower-priority spending throughout state government and ask whether those dollars could be better used to address the everyday costs facing Illinois families who fund our government, including the cost of essential medications.

I’m glad Governor Pritzker is becoming healthier, and I hope his story encourages others to take their own health seriously. But his experience with GLP-1 medications should lead to a conversation that goes beyond his personal weight-loss journey.

If these medications can improve people’s health, the question shouldn’t be whether the Governor can access them. We should be asking what can be done to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for the people we represent.

The post Senator Chesney’s Column: Pritzker Can Get a GLP-1. What About You? appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Proud to Earn a 100% Rating from the Technology and Manufacturing Association

I’m proud to have earned a 100 percent rating from the Technology and Manufacturing Association in its 2025-2026 Legislative Scorecard, the highest score in the Illinois Senate.

Manufacturing has long been an important part of Illinois’ economy, especially in communities across northwest Illinois. The men and women who work in this industry make products used across the country while supporting families and helping keep our local economies moving.

TMA’s scorecard is based on votes taken on legislation the organization identified as important to small and midsize manufacturers. For me, earning a 100 percent rating reflects my commitment to making Illinois a place where manufacturers can invest and continue providing good jobs.

I’m grateful to TMA for the recognition, but more importantly, I’ll continue standing with the manufacturers and workers who contribute so much to our communities and our state.

You can view the full TMA Legislative Scorecard and the legislation included in the ratings here.

Young Artists Invited to Celebrate America’s 250th

As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, I am excited to give young artists throughout the 45th Senate District an opportunity to show what America means to them.

Beginning September 1, I am hosting an art contest open to 1st through 8th grade students at schools throughout the 45th Senate District. This year’s theme is celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation, and I am looking forward to seeing our students express their creativity and pride in our country.

Students have plenty of room to be creative. Artwork could highlight what makes them proud of their community, what our state symbols or emblems mean to them, or what they believe makes America special, including our freedoms, parks, cities, farmland, voting, and more.

Artwork may be up to 8 by 10 inches and can be created using markers, colored pencils, watercolors, oil pastels, or mixed media. Each submission must include the student’s name, school name, and art teacher’s name. Entries can be emailed to LYates@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed or dropped off at my district office.

The deadline to submit artwork is October 30, with winners selected on November 2. Winning artwork will be framed and displayed in my district office, and the winning piece from each grade level will also be displayed at the Illinois State Capitol during Veto Session, November 17-20. Every student who participates will receive a certificate of recognition.

America’s 250th birthday is an incredible milestone, and I cannot think of a better time to encourage our young people to think about what makes their community and country special. I hope parents, teachers, and schools throughout the 45th District will encourage their students to participate.

For questions or to confirm participation, please contact Lori at LYates@sgop.ilga.gov. I cannot wait to see what our talented young artists create!

Once Again Calling on Governor Pritzker to Opt Illinois into Federal Scholarship Program

With a new federal scholarship program set to begin January 1, 2027, I am once again calling on Governor JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program created under President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

The program provides a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying private contributions to scholarship-granting organizations. Those organizations can then provide scholarships to eligible students to help cover educational expenses like tuition, tutoring, books and other needs without adding more spending to Illinois’ already bloated budget.

Thirty states have already elected to participate in the program for 2027. Illinois should be one of them.

There is no reason to deny Illinois families access to an opportunity already being embraced across the country. If Illinois refuses to participate, taxpayers here could still contribute through the federal tax credit but the benefits would go to students in other states instead of helping families here at home.

Let’s stop playing politics and give Illinois families the same opportunity.

The post Senator Chesney’s Week in Review appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Manufacturing has long been an important part of Illinois’ economy, especially in communities across northwest Illinois. The men and women who work in this industry make products used across the country while supporting families and helping keep our local economies moving.

TMA’s scorecard is based on votes taken on legislation the organization identified as important to small and midsize manufacturers. For me, earning a 100 percent rating reflects my commitment to making Illinois a place where manufacturers can invest and continue providing good jobs.

I’m grateful to TMA for the recognition, but more importantly, I’ll continue standing with the manufacturers and workers who contribute so much to our communities and our state.

You can view the full TMA Legislative Scorecard and the legislation included in the ratings here.

The post Proud to Earn a 100% Rating from the Technology and Manufacturing Association appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

The program provides a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying private contributions to scholarship-granting organizations. Those organizations can then provide scholarships to eligible students to help cover educational expenses like tuition, tutoring, books and other needs without adding more spending to Illinois’ already bloated budget.

Thirty states have already elected to participate in the program for 2027. Illinois should be one of them.

There is no reason to deny Illinois families access to an opportunity already being embraced across the country. If Illinois refuses to participate, taxpayers here could still contribute through the federal tax credit but the benefits would go to students in other states instead of helping families here at home.

Let’s stop playing politics and give Illinois families the same opportunity.

The post Once Again Calling on Governor Pritzker to Opt Illinois into Federal Scholarship Program appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Beginning September 1, I am hosting an art contest open to 1st through 8th grade students at schools throughout the 45th Senate District. This year’s theme is celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation, and I am looking forward to seeing our students express their creativity and pride in our country.

Students have plenty of room to be creative. Artwork could highlight what makes them proud of their community, what our state symbols or emblems mean to them, or what they believe makes America special, including our freedoms, parks, cities, farmland, voting, and more.

Artwork may be up to 8 by 10 inches and can be created using markers, colored pencils, watercolors, oil pastels, or mixed media. Each submission must include the student’s name, school name, and art teacher’s name. Entries can be emailed to LYates@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed or dropped off at my district office.

The deadline to submit artwork is October 30, with winners selected on November 2. Winning artwork will be framed and displayed in my district office, and the winning piece from each grade level will also be displayed at the Illinois State Capitol during Veto Session, November 17-20. Every student who participates will receive a certificate of recognition.

America’s 250th birthday is an incredible milestone, and I cannot think of a better time to encourage our young people to think about what makes their community and country special. I hope parents, teachers, and schools throughout the 45th District will encourage their students to participate.

For questions or to confirm participation, please contact Lori at LYates@sgop.ilga.gov. I cannot wait to see what our talented young artists create!

The post Young Artists Invited to Celebrate America’s 250th appeared first on Andrew Chesney.