Senator Chesney Blasts Democrats’ FY 2024 Budget
On Thursday night the Senate approved a Fiscal Year 2024 budget that spends over $50 billion. After the 34 to 22 vote, State Senator Andrew Chesney, who voted against the budget, issued the following statement: “This is yet another out-of-touch budget filled with misplaced priorities that cater to the extremes of the Democratic base […]
Chesney Opposes Measure that Threatens Funding for Local Libraries
On May 3, the Illinois Senate passed legislation that would strip local libraries of their ability to receive state funding unless they adopt the American Library Association’s Library “Bill of Rights”, which comes from a little-known national board not beholden to the voters of the 45th Senate District. State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) voted against […]
Senator Chesney Applauds Jurors for Delivering “Guilty on all Charges” Verdict in Com-Ed Trial
On Tuesday, the “Com-Ed 4” were found guilty on all counts. In response to the verdicts, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “Justice was delivered today as key players in Illinois’ Com-Ed scandal were finally held accountable for crimes that have eroded the public’s trust in the utility giant and in […]
Senator Chesney Applauds U.S. Court Order to Halt Enforcement of Assault Weapons Ban
On Friday, the U.S. Southern District Court of Illinois issued an order that would prohibit the enforcement of Illinois’ assault weapons ban while the constitutionality of the law is litigated. In response to the order, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “I applaud today’s decision. The order supersedes the U.S. 7th […]
Senator Chesney Responds to Mayor-Elect Johnson’s Speech to Joint Session of General Assembly
This week lawmakers got their first glimpse of Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson’s political and economic agenda when he spoke to a joint session of the Senate and House. His 40-minute speech was full of new costly initiatives, but silent on how the incoming mayor of Illinois’ largest city would pay for it. “This sounded more […]
Senator Andrew Chesney Denounces Weaponization of Elected Offices for use as a Political Tool
In response to the approval of legislation in Springfield on Friday that essentially weaponizes the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to go after non-profit pregnancy resource centers that offer counseling on alternatives to abortion, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “Extremism is not a new topic of discussion in the political debate, […]
Senator Chesney Calls News of Indictment Against Former President Donald Trump “Unethical and a Huge Threat to Democracy”
Today in New York City, news of an indictment against former President Donald Trump was made public. It was filed under seal and specifics will be announced in the coming days. In response to the announcement, Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “I am extremely disappointed that District Attorney Bragg […]
Senator Chesney Blames Toxic Work Environment Established by Democrats for Layoffs at Freeport’s Newell Brands Facility
On Thursday, Atlanta, Georgia-based Newell Brands announced the layoff of approximately 75 employees at its Freeport, Illinois facility. In response to the announcement, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “On the heels of the closure of the Belvidere Chrysler plant last week, this is another blow to the economy of Northwest […]
Senator Chesney Points to Failed Democratic Policies as Automaker Stellantis Leaves Belvidere, Makes $155 Million Investment in Indiana
On Tuesday, February 28, the Belvidere Chrysler plant was closed for good, putting hundreds of Illinoisans out of work. That same day, plant owner Stellantis announced a $155 million investment in Indiana. In response to the news, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) issued the following statement: “This is a devastating blow to the local […]
Senator Chesney Denounces Loss of Local Control for Wind Tower and Solar Panel Placement
During the Lame Duck session of the General Assembly in January, majority party lawmakers approved legislation that removes local control over setback requirements for wind and solar devices. As rural counties respond to new state regulations, many are wondering how they can challenge a law they believe will negatively affect property values and the quality […]