Visiting Bates Next Generation Farms in Rockton

For generations, family farms have played an important role in Illinois agriculture, contributing to our state’s economy and supporting communities across Illinois.

One of those farms is Bates Next Generation Farms in Rockton, where I recently had the opportunity to learn more about the family’s remarkable 200-year history.

During my visit, I learned more about the farm’s operations and how the family continues to build upon a legacy that has been passed down through generations.

Family farms like Bates Next Generation Farms are an important reminder of the role agriculture plays in supporting our local communities, creating economic opportunities and preserving traditions that have helped make Illinois a leading agricultural state.

I want to thank Roger, Judy and Kyle for taking the time to show me around and share their family’s story.

It is encouraging to see the next generation carrying on this proud tradition, and I look forward to seeing their continued success for years to come!

Supporting Families in Need at the Annual Freeport Food Drive

With the holiday season approaching, many families across Illinois are facing financial challenges, making the generosity of our local communities more important than ever.

I recently had the opportunity to stop by Cornerstone Credit Union in Freeport and make a donation to the 12th Annual Freeport Food Drive.

The annual event, organized with Rockford News First, collects nonperishable food and personal care items to support the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, which provides assistance to local families in need.

Over the past eight years, this incredible effort has collected more than 31,600 pounds of food and $24,000 in donations, making a meaningful difference for families throughout the Freeport area.

I want to thank Cornerstone Credit Union, Rockford News First and everyone who helped organize and contribute to this year’s event.

It’s always encouraging to see our community come together to help neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season!

Veterans Day Wall of Honor on Display at Illinois State Capitol

In recognition of Veterans Day, we are once again paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country through our annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor.

Now on display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda through November 19, the Wall of Honor features photographs and personal stories of veterans from across Illinois, submitted by their families and loved ones.

Each submission offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who answered the call to serve, while recognizing the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect our freedoms.

Along with the display, a special video tribute will showcase the submitted photos and stories, helping preserve these veterans’ legacies for future generations.

I encourage anyone visiting the State Capitol to take a moment to stop by to view the display and join us in honoring the men and women who have served our great nation.

Honoring Family Caregivers Throughout November

Across Illinois and the nation, countless individuals devote their days to looking after family members and loved ones who need additional care and support.

This November, National Family Caregivers Month offers an opportunity to recognize their commitment and the important work they do, often without recognition.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 63 million Americans care for someone living with an illness, disability, or medical condition.

For many, these responsibilities come with significant challenges. Balancing caregiving with work, family, and personal needs can lead to exhaustion, stress, and burnout.

Health experts encourage caregivers to make their own well-being a priority by maintaining healthy habits, getting adequate rest, and seeking assistance when necessary.

As National Family Caregivers Month continues, Illinoisans are encouraged to show appreciation for those who dedicate so much of themselves to helping others. Even a small gesture of support can make a meaningful difference in a caregiver’s life.

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

This November, National Family Caregivers Month offers an opportunity to recognize their commitment and the important work they do, often without recognition.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 63 million Americans care for someone living with an illness, disability, or medical condition.

For many, these responsibilities come with significant challenges. Balancing caregiving with work, family, and personal needs can lead to exhaustion, stress, and burnout.

Health experts encourage caregivers to make their own well-being a priority by maintaining healthy habits, getting adequate rest, and seeking assistance when necessary.

As National Family Caregivers Month continues, Illinoisans are encouraged to show appreciation for those who dedicate so much of themselves to helping others. Even a small gesture of support can make a meaningful difference in a caregiver’s life.

The post Honoring Family Caregivers Throughout November appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Now on display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda through November 19, the Wall of Honor features photographs and personal stories of veterans from across Illinois, submitted by their families and loved ones.

Each submission offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who answered the call to serve, while recognizing the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect our freedoms.

Along with the display, a special video tribute will showcase the submitted photos and stories, helping preserve these veterans’ legacies for future generations.

I encourage anyone visiting the State Capitol to take a moment to stop by to view the display and join us in honoring the men and women who have served our great nation.

The post Veterans Day Wall of Honor on Display at Illinois State Capitol appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

I recently had the opportunity to stop by Cornerstone Credit Union in Freeport and make a donation to the 12th Annual Freeport Food Drive.

The annual event, organized with Rockford News First, collects nonperishable food and personal care items to support the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, which provides assistance to local families in need.

Over the past eight years, this incredible effort has collected more than 31,600 pounds of food and $24,000 in donations, making a meaningful difference for families throughout the Freeport area.

I want to thank Cornerstone Credit Union, Rockford News First and everyone who helped organize and contribute to this year’s event.

It’s always encouraging to see our community come together to help neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season!

The post Supporting Families in Need at the Annual Freeport Food Drive appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

One of those farms is Bates Next Generation Farms in Rockton, where I recently had the opportunity to learn more about the family’s remarkable 200-year history.

During my visit, I learned more about the farm’s operations and how the family continues to build upon a legacy that has been passed down through generations.

Family farms like Bates Next Generation Farms are an important reminder of the role agriculture plays in supporting our local communities, creating economic opportunities and preserving traditions that have helped make Illinois a leading agricultural state.

I want to thank Roger, Judy and Kyle for taking the time to show me around and share their family’s story.

It is encouraging to see the next generation carrying on this proud tradition, and I look forward to seeing their continued success for years to come!

The post Visiting Bates Next Generation Farms in Rockton appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Tomorrow is Election Day

Election Day is almost here! Tomorrow, November 3, Illinoisans will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the General Election.

From taxes and public safety to education and the cost of living, there are plenty of important issues facing our state. The people we elect make decisions that affect our daily lives, which is why I encourage every eligible Illinoisan to make their voice heard in this year’s election.

If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time!

Early voting continues today at designated locations across Illinois, and polls will be open tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Before heading out, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check your polling location, review what’s on your ballot and make sure you have a plan to vote.

You can also check with your local election authority for information about early voting locations, hours and other election-related questions.

Whether you’re voting early or heading to the polls tomorrow, I hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard!

For polling locations and additional election information, visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Visiting the CTE Academy in Elizabeth

There are a lot of great career opportunities out there that don’t necessarily require a traditional four-year degree, and I recently got to see how one local program is helping students pursue those paths.

I had the opportunity to tour the CTE Academy in Elizabeth, which has been providing career and technical education to high school students and adult learners since 1972.

What impressed me most was the variety of opportunities available to students. Whether they’re interested in auto mechanics, construction, law enforcement or nursing, the academy gives them a chance to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience before entering the workforce.

I was also excited to learn about a recent grant that will help expand the academy’s early childhood education program.

As our communities continue to face a need for skilled workers, programs like CTE Academy are more important than ever.

A big thank you to Director Chad Stenberg and his team for the tour and for everything they do to help students succeed!

Stay Alert for Deer on Roads This Fall

As we head into November, I want to remind drivers across Illinois to keep an extra eye out for deer on the roads.

Fall is one of the busiest times of year for deer activity, especially during mating season. In fact, 41 percent of deer-related crashes in Illinois last year occurred between October and December, with November seeing the most.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 14,529 crashes involving deer in 2025, resulting in 677 injury crashes and seven fatalities.

While deer can appear just about anywhere, drivers should be especially cautious on rural roads and during the evening hours. Last year, 69 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in rural areas, and eight out of 10 happened at night.

A few simple precautions can help keep you safe:

• Stay alert: Watch the sides of the road for deer, especially around wooded areas and fields.
• Slow down: If you spot a deer near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared for others to follow.
• Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, even on short trips.
• Don’t swerve: If a deer enters your path, brake firmly and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the roadway.

Whether you’re heading to work, running errands or traveling across the district, I encourage everyone to take a little extra caution behind the wheel this fall. A few seconds of awareness can make all the difference.

For more information about deer-related collisions, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Discussing Economic Development with Local Business Leaders

One of the most valuable parts of my job is hearing directly from the people who know our local economies best.

Recently, I joined representatives from the Northwest Illinois Economic Development Group, JCE Co-op and other area business leaders for a roundtable discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across northwest Illinois.

We had a productive conversation about several important issues, including pensions, tax credit programs, economic development in rural communities and the role state government plays in shaping our business environment.

Every community has its own challenges, and what works in one part of Illinois may not work in another. That’s why I believe it’s important to have these conversations and hear different perspectives before making decisions in Springfield.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and share their experiences. These discussions give me valuable insight into what’s happening in our communities and the issues that deserve attention at the State Capitol.

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

Recently, I joined representatives from the Northwest Illinois Economic Development Group, JCE Co-op and other area business leaders for a roundtable discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across northwest Illinois.

We had a productive conversation about several important issues, including pensions, tax credit programs, economic development in rural communities and the role state government plays in shaping our business environment.

Every community has its own challenges, and what works in one part of Illinois may not work in another. That’s why I believe it’s important to have these conversations and hear different perspectives before making decisions in Springfield.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and share their experiences. These discussions give me valuable insight into what’s happening in our communities and the issues that deserve attention at the State Capitol.

The post Discussing Economic Development with Local Business Leaders appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

I had the opportunity to tour the CTE Academy in Elizabeth, which has been providing career and technical education to high school students and adult learners since 1972.

What impressed me most was the variety of opportunities available to students. Whether they’re interested in auto mechanics, construction, law enforcement or nursing, the academy gives them a chance to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience before entering the workforce.

I was also excited to learn about a recent grant that will help expand the academy’s early childhood education program.

As our communities continue to face a need for skilled workers, programs like CTE Academy are more important than ever.

A big thank you to Director Chad Stenberg and his team for the tour and for everything they do to help students succeed!

The post Visiting the CTE Academy in Elizabeth appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

Fall is one of the busiest times of year for deer activity, especially during mating season. In fact, 41 percent of deer-related crashes in Illinois last year occurred between October and December, with November seeing the most.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 14,529 crashes involving deer in 2025, resulting in 677 injury crashes and seven fatalities.

While deer can appear just about anywhere, drivers should be especially cautious on rural roads and during the evening hours. Last year, 69 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in rural areas, and eight out of 10 happened at night.

A few simple precautions can help keep you safe:

• Stay alert: Watch the sides of the road for deer, especially around wooded areas and fields.
• Slow down: If you spot a deer near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared for others to follow.
• Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, even on short trips.
• Don’t swerve: If a deer enters your path, brake firmly and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the roadway.

Whether you’re heading to work, running errands or traveling across the district, I encourage everyone to take a little extra caution behind the wheel this fall. A few seconds of awareness can make all the difference.

For more information about deer-related collisions, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

The post Stay Alert for Deer on Roads This Fall appeared first on Andrew Chesney.

From taxes and public safety to education and the cost of living, there are plenty of important issues facing our state. The people we elect make decisions that affect our daily lives, which is why I encourage every eligible Illinoisan to make their voice heard in this year’s election.

If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time!

Early voting continues today at designated locations across Illinois, and polls will be open tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Before heading out, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check your polling location, review what’s on your ballot and make sure you have a plan to vote.

You can also check with your local election authority for information about early voting locations, hours and other election-related questions.

Whether you’re voting early or heading to the polls tomorrow, I hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard!

For polling locations and additional election information, visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

The post Tomorrow is Election Day appeared first on Andrew Chesney.