Chesney Fights for Taxpayer Transparency on Non-Citizen Spending
With Illinois facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit, this year I am a Chief Co-sponsor of legislation that demands greater transparency regarding taxpayer dollars spent on programs for illegal immigrants. Senate Bill 1699 would require detailed annual reports on migrant/illegal immigrant spending to ensure accountability and protect taxpayers.
Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has increased spending on programs for non-citizens—from a few million to over $1 billion annually—offering free healthcare, legal services, free drivers licenses, and housing to fulfill his goal of making Illinois “the most welcoming state in the nation.” Over the past 2 ½ years, he has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations, using executive authority to redirect taxpayer dollars without legislative oversight. This unchecked spending comes as families struggle with high taxes and rising living costs, while the administration continues to withhold basic cost details despite Senate Republican inquiries.
SB 1699 would specifically require the Illinois Department of Human Services, in coordination with other relevant state agencies, to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on state spending for non-citizens. The report would include details on the total amount spent, specific appropriations, the number of families impacted, funding sources, and contracts awarded for services such as healthcare, housing, and legal support. The report would also be publicly available online for taxpayer transparency. The bill also requires the Governor to include a detailed accounting of all proposed spending on non-citizen populations in future state budgets.
New Lawsuit Seeks to End Governor Pritzker’s Harmful Sanctuary Policies
Last Thursday, President Donald Trump’s U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the State of Illinois, claiming its sanctuary laws, primarily the TRUST Act, impede with the Trump Administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants. Click here to read the law suit.
The DOJ’s lawsuit accuses Illinois leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, of actively hindering federal immigration enforcement by limiting local law enforcement’s ability to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
Under the Trust Act, Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from:
- Transferring violent criminals to ICE except under very limited conditions
- Sharing critical information about violent criminals with ICE
- Participating in federal immigration enforcement, even when dealing with dangerous individuals
Governor Pritzker’s obstruction of justice has created legal obstacles that shield violent and other offenders from deportation, leaving Illinois communities vulnerable. This lawsuit seeks to hold the Governor accountable for these dangerous decisions and restore law enforcement’s ability to work with ICE to keep our communities safe.
Immediately following the filing of the federal lawsuit, I issued this statement:
“Today’s Department of Justice lawsuit against the State of Illinois is a direct result of Governor JB Pritzker’s reckless and dangerous policies. While Pritzker and his radical allies waste taxpayer dollars and endless man-hours helping illegal immigrants hide from federal authorities, the Trump Administration has made it abundantly clear that they will not tolerate states undermining their mission to secure our borders and remove illegal immigrants who are ‘squatting’ in our neighborhoods.
“It’s time for Illinois Democrats to stop playing political games with our safety and start putting the citizens of this state first. I call on lawmakers to act immediately and pass my Senate Bill 1203, which would repeal the dangerous and misguided TRUST Act. This bill makes it clear that no unit of government in Illinois can obstruct federal immigration enforcement and ensures that Illinois is no longer a safe haven for illegal immigrants who ignore our laws.”
Senator Chesney Seeks Closure for Families Impacted by July 2024 Death in Carroll County
In an effort to bring closure to the families affected by the tragic death of Jackson Kradle in July of 2024, last week I made a formal request that the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor (ILSAAP) review the case evidence and provide an update to the public on its progress.
At approximately 3:30 AM on July 28, 2024, the body of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle was found on IL Route 78 near Lowden Road in Carroll County. That same morning, upon learning of potential involvement by Carroll County Sheriff’s Department employees, Sheriff Ryan Kloepping immediately recused himself to prevent any perceived conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety. The investigation was then passed on to the State’s Attorney, who also recused himself. As a result, the case was transferred to the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor (ILSAAP). Following a coroner’s inquest, Kradle’s death was ruled a homicide on January 14, 2025.
While I understand the ILSAAP has limited resources, the families involved and the broader community are still waiting for an update. The hope is to see progress toward closure in this tragic incident. In that spirit, I’ve respectfully asked Director Patrick Delfino and the ILSAAP team to review the case evidence, determine whether charges will be filed, and provide an update to the public regarding next steps.
A copy of the letter I sent to Director Delfino of ILSAAP can be found here.
Chesney Fights for Education Freedom for Homeschool Families
Last week three House Democrats filed House Bill 2827, a measure that would place new rules and penalties for noncompliance on families that choose to homeschool their kids.
I am a staunch supporter of education freedom and school choice, and upon learning of this bill filing I immediately pushed back by issuing the following statement:
“In a state where an alarmingly high number of public school children cannot read or do math at grade level, homeschooling must remain a viable and easily accessible option for families. Educational freedom as it relates to homeschooling is vitally important, yet politicians loyal to union bosses are trying to undermine Illinois’ successful homeschooling system by putting cumbersome regulations and penalties in place. I will not, nor will I ever, support bills like House Bill 2827, which restricts parental rights and creates new barriers for parents’ ability to make informed, autonomous decisions about their children’s education.”
The most recent school report card for the State of Illinois was nothing short of dismal, with only 30% of Illinois’ public school 4th graders showing grade level proficiency in reading, and 38% being proficient in math. Similarly, for 8th grade students in public schools, 33% showed proficiency in reading and 32% were proficient in math. I will be watching this bill closely, and if/when it comes to the Senate floor I will be vocal with my opposition.
Illinois Taxpayers: Don’t Miss Out on Key Tax Credits for 2024!
The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to claim available tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns to reduce their tax liability or increase refunds.
I would encourage all Illinoisans to take advantage of the available tax credits when filing their 2024 returns. With many families facing financial challenges, these credits provide important relief by reducing tax burdens or increasing refunds.
Key Tax Credits for 2024:
- Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Available for low-to-moderate-income working individuals. To qualify, taxpayers must file a return and meet income and age requirements.
- Illinois Child Tax Credit (CTC): A new credit for 2024, worth 20% of the Illinois EITC, for taxpayers who qualify for EITC and have a child under 12. The credit will increase to 40% in 2025.
- Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW): Available for qualified volunteer emergency workers with a certificate from MyTax Illinois.
- Education Expense Credit: Offers a 25% credit on qualifying educational expenses over $250 for parents or guardians of full-time K-12 students.
- Illinois Property Tax Credit: A 5% credit for property taxes paid on a principal residence.
For more details, click here or call 1-800-732-8866.
