Standing Against the Democrats’ Bloated Budget

I voted against yet another massive Democrat budget in Springfield. At 3 a.m., Illinois Democrats patted themselves on the back for ramming through a record-shattering $56 billion spending spree that piles on more than $800 million in new tax hikes.

After thousands of pages and only a few hours to review it, the result was exactly what we have come to expect: more spending, more taxes, and zero real relief for working families. Illinoisans face some of the highest property taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, and energy costs in the country.

This is exactly what is wrong with our state. Far-left Democrats claim to care, but their actions prove they are completely out of touch. While they explode government spending by over 40 percent during their time in power, hardworking families get stuck with the worst unemployment rate in the Midwest, and an economy growing at half the speed of the nation.

After eight years of Governor Pritzker’s tax-and-spend agenda, the results are clear. Thousands of Illinoisans have fled to better-run states, businesses are closing or leaving, and trust in Springfield is gone.

Illinois deserves better. It is time to put Illinois First, stop the reckless spending, cut taxes, and fight for the working families who keep this state alive.

Voting Against the Bears Backroom Tax Scam

Two months ago, I drew a hard line in the sand: If Springfield was willing to cut a sweetheart tax deal for a professional sports franchise, then they had better deliver real, meaningful property tax relief for the families and job creators getting absolutely crushed in this state.

I kept that pledge and voted no when the Bears bill came before the Senate. Although the bill was not called in the House, this backroom Bears scam is nothing but raw crony capitalism on steroids. This is a rigged deal handed to billionaires while everyday taxpayers keep bleeding out on their skyrocketing property tax bills. It is corporate welfare dressed up as economic development, and I am sick of it.

I want the Bears to stay in Illinois. I want Caleb Williams and those Cardiac Bears delivering fourth-quarter miracles right here where they belong. But we will not sell out the hardworking people of this state to make it happen. The taxpayers who built Illinois are not an ATM for billionaires and connected politicians.

Springfield still has an opportunity to do this right: deliver real, broad property tax relief for every overburdened homeowner and small business owner.

I stand with the taxpayers of Illinois. Period.

Springfield’s Disgrace: Illegal Immigrants Get In-State Tuition While Illinois Families Foot the Bill

This last week Democrats passed legislation allowing out-of-state illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at all Illinois public universities.

You can’t make this stuff up.

At a time when college tuition is already too expensive for many Illinois families, the out-of-touch Left wing politicians have decided to expand benefits to people who are not even legal residents of our country. Once again, the taxpayers who play by the rules are being asked to take a back seat.

Supporters of the bill claim it will help more students access higher education. What they fail to mention is that somebody has to pay for it. University bureaucracies are happy because it means more students and more revenue flowing into their institutions. Meanwhile, Illinois families continue to struggle with rising tuition costs, higher taxes, and the growing cost of living.

I believe our priority should be making college more affordable for Illinois residents and their children, not creating new benefits for those who ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE.

That’s why I voted no. Illinois families deserve to come first.

🚨Democrats Are Failing Illinois Taxpayers🚨

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After thousands of pages and only a few hours to review it, the result was exactly what we have come to expect: more spending, more taxes, and zero real relief for working families. Illinoisans face some of the highest property taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, and energy costs in the country.

This is exactly what is wrong with our state. Far-left Democrats claim to care, but their actions prove they are completely out of touch. While they explode government spending by over 40 percent during their time in power, hardworking families get stuck with the worst unemployment rate in the Midwest, and an economy growing at half the speed of the nation.

After eight years of Governor Pritzker’s tax-and-spend agenda, the results are clear. Thousands of Illinoisans have fled to better-run states, businesses are closing or leaving, and trust in Springfield is gone.

Illinois deserves better. It is time to put Illinois First, stop the reckless spending, cut taxes, and fight for the working families who keep this state alive.

The post Standing Against the Democrats’ Bloated Budget appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

I kept that pledge and voted no when the Bears bill came before the Senate. Although the bill was not called in the House, this backroom Bears scam is nothing but raw crony capitalism on steroids. This is a rigged deal handed to billionaires while everyday taxpayers keep bleeding out on their skyrocketing property tax bills. It is corporate welfare dressed up as economic development, and I am sick of it.

I want the Bears to stay in Illinois. I want Caleb Williams and those Cardiac Bears delivering fourth-quarter miracles right here where they belong. But we will not sell out the hardworking people of this state to make it happen. The taxpayers who built Illinois are not an ATM for billionaires and connected politicians.

Springfield still has an opportunity to do this right: deliver real, broad property tax relief for every overburdened homeowner and small business owner.

I stand with the taxpayers of Illinois. Period.

The post Voting Against the Bears Backroom Tax Scam appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

You can’t make this stuff up.

At a time when college tuition is already too expensive for many Illinois families, the out-of-touch Left wing politicians have decided to expand benefits to people who are not even legal residents of our country. Once again, the taxpayers who play by the rules are being asked to take a back seat.

Supporters of the bill claim it will help more students access higher education. What they fail to mention is that somebody has to pay for it. University bureaucracies are happy because it means more students and more revenue flowing into their institutions. Meanwhile, Illinois families continue to struggle with rising tuition costs, higher taxes, and the growing cost of living.

I believe our priority should be making college more affordable for Illinois residents and their children, not creating new benefits for those who ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE.

That’s why I voted no. Illinois families deserve to come first.

The post Springfield’s Disgrace: Illegal Immigrants Get In-State Tuition While Illinois Families Foot the Bill appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

“I will not attend today’s embarrassing spectacle to celebrate Dick Durbin’s career of failure.

“This event is nothing more than a sad, taxpayer-funded Trump-bashing circus while Illinois continues to rank dead last in nearly every economic indicator. Instead of pretending to honor a man who helped turn our great state into a national punchline, we should be working to clean up the wreckage he leaves behind.”

Senator Chesney said the event is a partisan spectacle rather than a serious reflection of Illinois’ future.

“Senator Durbin started out pretending to be a moderate, but he quickly became a loyal foot soldier for the radical, out-of-touch left. He has spent decades with his head buried in the sand, ignoring the damage his policies caused. Reckless spending? That is Durbin. Crushing taxes driving businesses and families out? Thank Dick Durbin. Sanctuary policies that rolled out the red carpet for millions of illegals on the backs of Illinois taxpayers? That is his legacy too.

“The man is a textbook example of everything wrong with Illinois politics. He is ineffective and completely disconnected from the real struggles of our people.

“The only good news is that this career politician is finally retiring. It is long overdue. Every legislator who actually cares about fixing this state should skip today’s political theater and get back to work.”

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Illinois Family Institute Continues Fight for Family Values

I had a great meeting at the Capitol with Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith. It was an honor to spend time with someone who has been such a strong and consistent voice for conservative values in Illinois.

David is a true fighter who never backs down from standing up for faith, family, and the principles that matter most to so many Illinois families. In a time when too many people are afraid to speak clearly about their beliefs, he continues to lead with conviction and remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen our communities and promote a more moral and just society.

Organizations like the Illinois Family Institute play an important role in public policy discussions by giving a voice to families and people of faith across our state. I appreciate the work David and his team continue to do to defend religious liberty, protect families, and advocate for commonsense conservative values in Springfield.

Renewing the Call for Illinois to Join Federal Scholarship Program

I am once again calling on Governor JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program created under President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

As I recently discussed in my column, this program gives Illinois families a real opportunity to access additional educational resources for their children through privately funded scholarships. These scholarships can help cover tuition, tutoring, books, and other educational needs without adding more spending to Illinois’ already bloated budget.

States like New York and Colorado have already signaled that they plan to participate, and Illinois should too.

The people of Illinois have made their voices clear. Voters across dozens of counties overwhelmingly supported participation in the program because families are looking for more opportunities and more flexibility when it comes to their children’s education.

If Illinois refuses to opt in, our taxpayers could still contribute to the program through federal tax credits, but the benefits would go to students in other states instead of helping families here at home.

Illinois students deserve better, and families deserve this opportunity.

Mount Carroll I-PASS On Demand Event Set for June 24

I am inviting residents to join Mount Carroll Mayor Carl Bates and I for an upcoming I-PASS On Demand Event on Wednesday, June 24, in Mount Carroll.

This event is a great opportunity for residents to return their old I-PASS transponders, receive a new I-PASS Sticker Tag, and get help managing their accounts. Staff will also be available to assist with transferring deposit balances and helping residents pay invoices without additional fees or fines.

The event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Community Center, located at 631 South East Street in Mount Carroll.

The new I-PASS Sticker Tags are battery-free, environmentally friendly, and can be used on both Illinois Tollway and E-ZPass roadways after activation.

I encourage anyone with questions about their I-PASS account or who needs to replace an older transponder to stop by. Events like this are a simple but important way to connect residents with helpful state services closer to home.

🧾Highlights From My Machesney Park Shred Event

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This event is a great opportunity for residents to return their old I-PASS transponders, receive a new I-PASS Sticker Tag, and get help managing their accounts. Staff will also be available to assist with transferring deposit balances and helping residents pay invoices without additional fees or fines.

The event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Community Center, located at 631 South East Street in Mount Carroll.

The new I-PASS Sticker Tags are battery-free, environmentally friendly, and can be used on both Illinois Tollway and E-ZPass roadways after activation.

I encourage anyone with questions about their I-PASS account or who needs to replace an older transponder to stop by. Events like this are a simple but important way to connect residents with helpful state services closer to home.

The post Mount Carroll I-PASS On Demand Event Set for June 24 appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

As I recently discussed in my column, this program gives Illinois families a real opportunity to access additional educational resources for their children through privately funded scholarships. These scholarships can help cover tuition, tutoring, books, and other educational needs without adding more spending to Illinois’ already bloated budget.

States like New York and Colorado have already signaled that they plan to participate, and Illinois should too.

The people of Illinois have made their voices clear. Voters across dozens of counties overwhelmingly supported participation in the program because families are looking for more opportunities and more flexibility when it comes to their children’s education.

If Illinois refuses to opt in, our taxpayers could still contribute to the program through federal tax credits, but the benefits would go to students in other states instead of helping families here at home.

Illinois students deserve better, and families deserve this opportunity.

The post Renewing the Call for Illinois to Join Federal Scholarship Program appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

David is a true fighter who never backs down from standing up for faith, family, and the principles that matter most to so many Illinois families. In a time when too many people are afraid to speak clearly about their beliefs, he continues to lead with conviction and remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen our communities and promote a more moral and just society.

Organizations like the Illinois Family Institute play an important role in public policy discussions by giving a voice to families and people of faith across our state. I appreciate the work David and his team continue to do to defend religious liberty, protect families, and advocate for commonsense conservative values in Springfield.

The post Illinois Family Institute Continues Fight for Family Values appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Community Shred Event Brings Residents Together in Machesney Park

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Community Shred Event in Machesney Park this weekend. We were excited to welcome more than 300 residents from across the 45th District who took advantage of the opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents and help protect themselves from identity theft.

I was proud to partner with Mayor Steve Johnson to host this event and provide a free service that helps local families securely get rid of old paperwork and personal records. Events like this are a simple but meaningful way to support our communities and connect with residents outside of Springfield.

I also want to thank everyone who helped make the event possible, including the volunteers, staff, and shredding crew who kept things organized and running smoothly throughout the morning. Their hard work helped make the event a success.

We truly enjoyed meeting with residents and appreciate everyone who took the time to stop by and participate. I look forward to continuing to host community events that provide helpful resources and bring people together across the district.

Recognizing the Sacrifice of Illinois Firefighters

The annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony serves as an important opportunity to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters across our state. Every day, these men and women put themselves in harm’s way to protect Illinois families and communities.

This year’s ceremony honored firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty while also recognizing firefighters who demonstrated extraordinary courage and professionalism during emergency situations. Thirteen firefighters received the Firefighter Excellence Award for acts of service in the line of duty, and three firefighters were awarded the Medal of Valor for acts of heroism in dangerous conditions.

The State of Illinois also presented its highest honor for firefighter bravery, the Medal of Honor, to Firefighter/EMT Kevin McNicholas of the Chicago Fire Department and Firefighter/Paramedic Gino Casciola of the Addison Fire Protection District. Their actions reflect the incredible dedication and selflessness that firefighters show when responding to emergencies.

The memorial ceremony is a reminder that behind every call for help is a firefighter willing to step forward and serve others, even at great personal risk. Illinois owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the firefighters who continue to protect our communities and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session

With just two weeks left before the May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers are in the final stretch of the spring session, and the pressure is on.

The biggest fight ahead is the state budget. Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposed $56 billion FY 26-27 plan relies on more than $700 million in new taxes and accounting gimmicks at a time when Illinois families are already crushed by the highest property taxes in the nation and a painful affordability crisis.

I am at the table fighting to protect taxpayers from yet another bloated spending plan built on higher taxes. We are pushing hard for a responsible budget that actually delivers relief to hardworking families and businesses instead of more tricks and tax hikes.

We are also dealing with a megaprojects bill aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois, another massive proposal that comes with serious taxpayer risk.

Illinois cannot afford Pritzker’s tax-and-spend agenda. In these final days, Senate Republicans will keep fighting for fiscal restraint and real relief for the people who pay the bills.

To follow legislative action, visit ilga.gov.

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