Chesney Adds Two Additional IPASS on Demand Events in Northwest Illinois
I want to thank everyone who came out to my IPASS on Demand event in Freeport on January 23. Despite the cold weather, we had a very good turnout, and the mobile team from the Tollway provided quick service to about 200 people.
Due to the popularity of these events, I have scheduled two additional IPASS events in the coming weeks.
Monday, February 3 in South Beloit
Nature at the Confluence
306 Dickop Street, South Beloit
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Co-Hosted by South Beloit Mayor Tom Fitzgerald
Monday, March 10 in Oregon
Nash Recreation Center (River Room)
304 South Fifth Street, Oregon
Co-Hosted by Oregon Mayor Ken Williams
As with previous IPASS on Demand events, a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology. There is no fee for making the switch, and IPASS balances will be forwarded to new accounts.
If you plan to attend, please bring your plastic IPASS transponders with you and jot down your license plate number(s) to ensure quick service.
Senator Andrew Chesney Issues Statement On President Trump’s Inauguration Day
On January 8 I watched a great deal of the inauguration coverage for President Donald J. Trump. Following his swearing in, I issued the following media statement:
“The American people have spoken, and their message is clear: it’s time to put America First. President Trump’s focus on securing our borders, putting American citizens first, and ending the woke policies dividing our nation reflects the values of families across Illinois and America.
“We are a nation that believes in two genders, the dignity of work, and a secure border. The woke agenda has gone unchecked for too long, but this administration promises a return to common-sense principles that reflect the will of the majority.
“I urge Democrats to put aside their fealty to the woke agenda and work with us to restore strength, prosperity, and unity to our great nation.”
Get Connected: Participate in a Broadband Breakthrough Program
Local leaders across Illinois are encouraged to participate in the Broadband Breakthrough program led by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and the Illinois Broadband Lab. This initiative provides the tools, data, and knowledge needed to secure funding and build strong broadband partnerships. As the state prepares for the BEAD-Funded Connect Illinois Round 4, the program boosts counties’ ability to become strategic and supportive partners in broadband expansion efforts.
Applications for the Broadband Breakthrough program are open until January 31, on a first-come, first-served basis. The Illinois Office of Broadband is offering a series of webinars covering topics such as data-driven storytelling, digital literacy, and digital equity. These resources aim to assist in securing funding and promoting digital equity across the state.
For more information and to register for webinars, contact Reid Sharkey at reid@benton.org or visit the Illinois Office of Broadband’s website.
Valentines Begin Arriving at Chesney Office
We’re down to the last 10 days for participation in this year’s Valentines for Seniors card drive. While cards are beginning to arrive at my Freeport office, we need your help if we are to eclipse last year’s totals.
To brighten the days of seniors and make sure they know they are a valued part of the community, I am asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations, and other groups to create homemade cards and drawings that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 45th Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district office between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentine’s Day.
Valentines can be dropped off or mailed to:
Senator Andrew Chesney’s Office
50 West Douglas Street, Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
Let’s bring some joy to area seniors so they know we’re thinking of them. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Kickstart 2025 Taxes This Week
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) began accepting 2025 income tax returns on Monday, January 27, coinciding with the IRS’s start date for federal tax filings. This year, eligible taxpayers can file their federal returns for free using the IRS Direct File program, which will then link to Illinois’ MyTax Illinois system to file state taxes at no cost.
Experts encourage taxpayers to file early and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. Filing electronically and opting for direct deposit ensures the quickest processing. The tax deadline is April 15, with a six-month extension option available.
Additionally, taxpayers can apply for the Illinois Child Tax Credit, which increases to 40% of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2025. The Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit has also been expanded to include more emergency service volunteers.
IDOR continues to combat fraud, preventing over $145 million in fraudulent refunds last year.
Taxpayers can receive assistance by calling IDOR’s helpline at 1-800-732-8866 or visiting tax.illinois.gov.
