Lena and Roscoe Begin Road to Recovery

I spent time in Lena and Roscoe following the tornadoes that tore through the communities Friday, and the level of destruction is hard to put into words. Homes have been damaged, parts of the infrastructure are down, and the school in Lena took a hit. It is a difficult moment for a lot of families right now.

But, what stood out just as much as the damage was the response. Local leaders, first responders, emergency management, public works teams, and so many others moved quickly and worked together to stabilize the situation and start helping residents. I joined Congressman Darin LaHood, State Representative John Cabello, and other state officials on the ground to get a clear picture of what comes next and how we continue supporting recovery efforts.

Crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear debris, and at this point power has been fully restored across the district. Thank you to everyone stepping up and doing their part to support their neighbors and uplift these communities.

Lena and Roscoe are facing a tough road ahead, but they take care of their own. That has been clear from the moment the storms passed. We are going to keep working to make sure families have the support they need and that these communities come back strong. Please continue to keep the families impacted and everyone working on the ground in your prayers.

Chesney Applauds End of Controversial CWD Deer Culling Policy

State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is welcoming the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ decision to end its controversial deer sharpshooting program, a policy he has criticized for years.

“After years of frustration from hunters and landowners, IDNR is finally pulling the plug on a program that never should have existed in the first place,” Senator Chesney said. “This was a top-down approach that upset local communities and undermined the role of hunters in managing our deer population.”

For more than two decades, IDNR used targeted sharpshooting in an effort to control chronic wasting disease (CWD), including placing bait sites on private land to attract and remove large numbers of deer in specific areas. The program drew widespread criticism from hunters who correctly argued it was ineffective and disruptive.

Senator Chesney has long been a vocal opponent of the program. His first bill passed in the General Assembly increased transparency by requiring additional reporting to lawmakers on the state’s CWD management efforts. He has also supported legislation to eliminate the sharpshooting program entirely.

“It’s the hunters on the ground who understand and manage our deer population best,” Senator Chesney said. “This decision is a step in the right direction. We should be working with them, not against them.”

Moving forward, IDNR plans to shift its strategy toward increased public engagement, monitoring, and voluntary participation from hunters and landowners to help manage the spread of CWD.

Learn more about IDNR’s updated approach here.

IGOLD Shows the Strength of Law-Abiding Gun Owners

Illinoisans gathered in Springfield for IGOLD (Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day), standing together in strong support of our Second Amendment rights. It was a powerful reminder that when law-abiding citizens show up and make their voices heard, it sends a clear message to those in power.

The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom, protected by our Constitution and deeply rooted in the founding of our country. It is not something to be taken lightly, and it is certainly not something that should be chipped away by out-of-touch democrat politicians.

Events like IGOLD matter because they demonstrate the strength and unity of responsible gun owners across our state. These are individuals who follow the law, respect their communities, and take seriously their role in protecting their families.

But showing up once a year is not enough. The fight to defend our Second Amendment rights happens every day, whether it is pushing back against bad legislation or making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people they represent.

I will continue standing with you in that fight and working to ensure your rights are protected here in Illinois.

Meeting with Illinois REALTORS® at the Capitol

I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with members of the Illinois REALTORS® while they were at the Capitol. Representing more than 50,000 professionals across the state, they play a critical role in supporting Illinois’ housing market and strengthening local economies.

Their work goes far beyond buying and selling homes. They are strong advocates for private property rights and help ensure that families, homeowners, and businesses have a voice in policies that directly impact their livelihoods. In a state where affordability and economic growth continue to be major concerns, their perspective is incredibly important.

It was valuable to hear directly from those working on the front lines of real estate in Illinois. These conversations provide real insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.

I look forward to continuing to work with Illinois REALTORS® to support policies that protect property rights and promote a stronger, more stable housing market across our state.

JCE Co-op at the Capitol

I had a great time connecting with members of JCE Co-op during their visit to the Capitol this week. It was a valuable opportunity to sit down and talk about the role cooperatives play in keeping our communities running strong.

We had a productive conversation about the importance of reliable, affordable service, especially in rural areas where co-ops are often the backbone of daily life. These organizations are member-owned, which means their focus stays where it belongs, on the people they serve.

What stood out most was their commitment to the communities they call home. Whether it’s reinvesting in local infrastructure, supporting community initiatives, or simply making sure families and businesses have the service they need, JCE Co-op continues to make a real difference across Northwest Illinois.

I appreciate everything they do for their members and our region. It’s always good to hear directly from those on the front lines working to keep our communities strong.

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

But, what stood out just as much as the damage was the response. Local leaders, first responders, emergency management, public works teams, and so many others moved quickly and worked together to stabilize the situation and start helping residents. I joined Congressman Darin LaHood, State Representative John Cabello, and other state officials on the ground to get a clear picture of what comes next and how we continue supporting recovery efforts.

Crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear debris, and at this point power has been fully restored across the district. Thank you to everyone stepping up and doing their part to support their neighbors and uplift these communities.

Lena and Roscoe are facing a tough road ahead, but they take care of their own. That has been clear from the moment the storms passed. We are going to keep working to make sure families have the support they need and that these communities come back strong. Please continue to keep the families impacted and everyone working on the ground in your prayers.

The post Lena and Roscoe Begin Road to Recovery appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

We had a productive conversation about the importance of reliable, affordable service, especially in rural areas where co-ops are often the backbone of daily life. These organizations are member-owned, which means their focus stays where it belongs, on the people they serve.

What stood out most was their commitment to the communities they call home. Whether it’s reinvesting in local infrastructure, supporting community initiatives, or simply making sure families and businesses have the service they need, JCE Co-op continues to make a real difference across Northwest Illinois.

I appreciate everything they do for their members and our region. It’s always good to hear directly from those on the front lines working to keep our communities strong.

The post JCE Co-op at the Capitol appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Their work goes far beyond buying and selling homes. They are strong advocates for private property rights and help ensure that families, homeowners, and businesses have a voice in policies that directly impact their livelihoods. In a state where affordability and economic growth continue to be major concerns, their perspective is incredibly important.

It was valuable to hear directly from those working on the front lines of real estate in Illinois. These conversations provide real insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.

I look forward to continuing to work with Illinois REALTORS® to support policies that protect property rights and promote a stronger, more stable housing market across our state.

The post Meeting with Illinois REALTORS® at the Capitol appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom, protected by our Constitution and deeply rooted in the founding of our country. It is not something to be taken lightly, and it is certainly not something that should be chipped away by out-of-touch democrat politicians.

Events like IGOLD matter because they demonstrate the strength and unity of responsible gun owners across our state. These are individuals who follow the law, respect their communities, and take seriously their role in protecting their families.

But showing up once a year is not enough. The fight to defend our Second Amendment rights happens every day, whether it is pushing back against bad legislation or making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people they represent.

I will continue standing with you in that fight and working to ensure your rights are protected here in Illinois.

The post IGOLD Shows the Strength of Law-Abiding Gun Owners appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

“After years of frustration from hunters and landowners, IDNR is finally pulling the plug on a program that never should have existed in the first place,” Senator Chesney said. “This was a top-down approach that upset local communities and undermined the role of hunters in managing our deer population.”

For more than two decades, IDNR used targeted sharpshooting in an effort to control chronic wasting disease (CWD), including placing bait sites on private land to attract and remove large numbers of deer in specific areas. The program drew widespread criticism from hunters who correctly argued it was ineffective and disruptive.

Senator Chesney has long been a vocal opponent of the program. His first bill passed in the General Assembly increased transparency by requiring additional reporting to lawmakers on the state’s CWD management efforts. He has also supported legislation to eliminate the sharpshooting program entirely.

“It’s the hunters on the ground who understand and manage our deer population best,” Senator Chesney said. “This decision is a step in the right direction. We should be working with them, not against them.”

Moving forward, IDNR plans to shift its strategy toward increased public engagement, monitoring, and voluntary participation from hunters and landowners to help manage the spread of CWD.

Learn more about IDNR’s updated approach here.

The post Chesney Applauds End of Controversial CWD Deer Culling Policy appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” created the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, which gives states the option to opt in and deliver real relief to students and families.

The program allows taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 by making donations to eligible scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs), which then provide scholarships to K-12 students for tuition, tutoring, books, and other educational needs.

It’s a very straightforward idea: let families support students instead of sending every dollar into a bloated system that continues to fail them. Because the funding comes from private donations rather than new government spending, it expands opportunity without adding to Illinois’ already out-of-control budget.

And let’s be honest, Illinois is in no position to pretend it doesn’t need solutions like this. Families are getting crushed by taxes, businesses are leaving, and the state continues to lag behind much of the country in growth. Instead of embracing something that actually helps people, we’re once again waiting to see whether the governor feels like cooperating.

Illinois voters have already weighed in, and they didn’t exactly whisper about it. They voted overwhelmingly in favor.

Residents in all or parts of 31 counties had the chance to weigh in on whether Illinois should participate. About 63% voted yes. In my district, counties like Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago all backed the measure, with support nearing 60% across the board. Voters were clear about what they want.

Here’s where it gets frustrating. Illinois students only benefit if the governor opts the state in. If he refuses, Illinois taxpayers can still take the federal tax credit, but their money will go to students in other states that actually chose to participate.

Think about that for a moment.

Families here could be helping fund scholarships across the country while students in Illinois get nothing. All because their own governor failed to act.

That outcome wouldn’t be surprising coming from this administration.

Governor Pritzker does not have a strong track record of using federal resources to benefit Illinois families, unless of course it involved COVID relief dollars that were poured into programs and mandates that did little to help the people actually footing the bill. Time and again, working families are told there’s no relief for them, while the state finds ways to spend on everything else.

Pritzker has also shown a willingness to walk away from federal opportunities when they don’t align with his politics. Programs championed by Donald Trump, including efforts like “No Tax on Tips” and other forms of federal tax relief aimed at helping workers and small businesses, have been dismissed outright by the Governor. Not because they wouldn’t help, but because they came from the wrong place politically. Illinois families are the ones left dealing with the consequences.

This is not about political games. It is about whether Illinois families get access to resources that can help their kids succeed. Tutoring, specialized services, and better educational opportunities are things parents are actively looking for, and this program helps make them more accessible without growing government.

So, the governor now has a choice. He can do what voters across Illinois are clearly asking for and opt into the program, or he can continue to play politics and let other states benefit from dollars generated by Illinois taxpayers.

At some point, the excuse-making has to stop. The people spoke, and they were clear about it. Ignoring that isn’t leadership. It is arrogance.

If Governor Pritzker won’t fight for Illinois students, he should get out of the way for those who will. He needs to hear from the people he’s supposed to represent. Call his office. Contact your legislators. Make it clear that Illinois should be part of this program.

Illinois families are tired of being an afterthought. This is a chance to actually deliver something that helps them. The only question is whether the governor will get out of the way.

The post J.B. Pritzker: Stop Playing Politics and Put Illinois Students First appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Agriculture Advisory Committee Addresses Challenges Facing Local Farmers

I had a great discussion in Freeport with members of our Agriculture Advisory Committee, where we focused on the real challenges facing farmers across our region. Rising property taxes and high fertilizer prices continue to put pressure on family operations, and we talked at length about the importance of passing the Family Farm Preservation Act to help ensure farms can stay in the hands of the families who built them.

What stood out most was the honest, productive conversation. Farmers shared what they are dealing with day to day, and that kind of input is critical as we work to shape policy that actually makes a difference.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to join us and be part of the conversation. I also want to thank Chairman Lou Lameroux for his leadership and ongoing commitment to supporting our local ag community.

We’re going to keep working alongside our farmers to protect family farms and keep them strong for the next generation.

Connecting with Local Firefighters in Shannon

I had the opportunity this weekend to attend the Firemen’s Breakfast in Shannon. It was a great chance to spend time with the men and women who protect our communities day in and day out.

I appreciated the chance to hear directly from them. You can tell in those conversations how much they care about the people they serve. They reflect the values we hold here in Northwest Illinois. They are committed to their service and take pride in looking out for our neighbors.

We also talked about a strong example of local cooperation. Shannon and Lanark have come together to hire a shared fire chief, Jim Klinefelter. That kind of partnership is exactly what we need more of. Providing fire and ambulance services is not simple, and it takes communities working together to make sure people are protected and taken care of.

I want to thank the firefighters and everyone who came out for the breakfast. It means a lot to be back in my hometown and to be surrounded by such great people. Events like this are a reminder of what makes our communities special and why it is so important to stay connected with the people who serve and support our communities every day.

Forced to Pay for Abortions: Illinois Democrats Push HB 5408

As you all know, here in the 45th District, we stand for traditional values, real conservatism, and protecting both life and the hardworking taxpayers of Illinois. That’s why I have a responsibility to speak out when dangerous legislation comes forward.

House Bill 5408 would create a state-run fund to bankroll abortions for individuals without insurance or with inadequate coverage. Even worse, this fund would be financed by a mandatory $1 monthly charge on certain health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. In other words, Illinois families would be forced, once again, to subsidize abortions whether they support it or not.

This bill has already passed the Illinois House and is now headed to the Senate. It has the full backing of our abortion-loving Governor J.B. Pritzker and the out-of-touch Democrat majority pushing it forward.

Let me be clear. I will vote no. I will stand for the unborn and against forcing taxpayers to fund this agenda.

But the reality is this. With one-party control in Springfield, bills like this are likely to pass unless people speak up.

That’s where you come in. Call your legislators. Make your voice heard. This is not just another bad bill. It is a direct attack on life and another example of government overreach at your expense.

If we don’t stand now, they will keep going further.

Ogle County Farmers Share Concerns on Energy, Regulations, and Land Rights

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Ogle County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting and spend time with the people who keep our agricultural economy strong.

We had a productive conversation about the challenges facing agriculture today, including rising energy costs, burdensome regulations, and concerns surrounding wind and solar projects and the protection of landowner rights. We also discussed the importance of the Family Farm Preservation Act and what it means for protecting family-owned farms for future generations.

Hearing directly from farmers and local leaders is one of the most important parts of my job. These conversations help ensure that the concerns of our agriculture community are front and center as policies are debated in Springfield.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and share their perspective. Input like this plays an important role in shaping the work we do to support and strengthen agriculture in Illinois.

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

We had a productive conversation about the challenges facing agriculture today, including rising energy costs, burdensome regulations, and concerns surrounding wind and solar projects and the protection of landowner rights. We also discussed the importance of the Family Farm Preservation Act and what it means for protecting family-owned farms for future generations.

Hearing directly from farmers and local leaders is one of the most important parts of my job. These conversations help ensure that the concerns of our agriculture community are front and center as policies are debated in Springfield.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and share their perspective. Input like this plays an important role in shaping the work we do to support and strengthen agriculture in Illinois.

The post Ogle County Farmers Share Concerns on Energy, Regulations, and Land Rights appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

House Bill 5408 would create a state-run fund to bankroll abortions for individuals without insurance or with inadequate coverage. Even worse, this fund would be financed by a mandatory $1 monthly charge on certain health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. In other words, Illinois families would be forced, once again, to subsidize abortions whether they support it or not.

This bill has already passed the Illinois House and is now headed to the Senate. It has the full backing of our abortion-loving Governor J.B. Pritzker and the out-of-touch Democrat majority pushing it forward.

Let me be clear. I will vote no. I will stand for the unborn and against forcing taxpayers to fund this agenda.

But the reality is this. With one-party control in Springfield, bills like this are likely to pass unless people speak up.

That’s where you come in. Call your legislators. Make your voice heard. This is not just another bad bill. It is a direct attack on life and another example of government overreach at your expense.

If we don’t stand now, they will keep going further.

The post Forced to Pay for Abortions: Illinois Democrats Push HB 5408 appeared first on Andrew Chesney.