Homeschool Families Prepping for 35th Annual Cherry Pie Day in Springfield
Every year, hundreds of homeschool families from across the state travel to Springfield for a day of awareness to remind legislators that homeschooling continues to thrive in the State of Illinois. I’m shown in this photo at last year’s event.
This year, on Thursday, March 6, the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) will hold their 35th annual “Cherry Pie Day” at the Capitol. Those who attend are meeting at the State Capitol, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to drop off pies that will be distributed to legislators later in the day.
If you plan to attend this year’s day of awareness, you can click here to register. I will join homeschool families during the morning session at the Illinois State Library (10:00 AM until 11:00 AM) to show my support of homeschooling as an option for all Illinois families, and to express my opposition to any legislative efforts that interfere with a family’s ability to make autonomous decisions regarding their children’s educations.
ICHE is a not-for-profit Christian organization composed of families dedicated to the success of home education in Illinois. The non-profit was formed in December 1983 by four Christian families seeking the support and fellowship of like-minded home educators. They decided to form ICHE for the purpose of encouraging the formation of distinctly Christian support groups, compiling information to help form such groups, and making the information available to support group leaders.
Click here to learn more about 2025 Cherry Pie Day.
Fuzzy Math and Record Spending: Gov. Pritzker’s Budget Plan Draws Fire
Following Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address last Wednesday, my Senate Republican colleagues and I condemned the record $55.4 billion spending plan—the largest in state history—as unrealistic and burdensome for taxpayers. If passed, it would mark a 37% increase in annual state spending since he took office, far outpacing the growth of the average family’s income.
Adding to our skepticism, just weeks earlier, the Governor’s budget office projected a $3.2 billion deficit. One day prior to the address, Governor Pritzker announced that his office had “found” more than $2 billion in additional revenue. With no official economic report to support the claim, I consider it more “fuzzy math” coming from the Governor’s administration. Illinois taxpayers deserve transparency, not political games.
The Pritzker budget also includes tax hikes on businesses, costs that would inevitably hit consumers. Additionally, Democrats have revived a progressive tax plan (SJRCA 04) that would make future income tax increases even easier—especially if revenue projections fall short. I firmly believe that Governor Pritzker’s refusal to rein in spending shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Illinoisans.
Economic concerns remain front and center. Since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois has lost nearly 60,000 jobs and now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation. In 2024 alone, the state saw a 25% spike in manufacturing layoffs, with over 13,000 layoff notices issued. These numbers highlight why more government spending isn’t the solution.
During the speech, the Governor also referred to President Trump and all Republicans as “Nazis.”
Noticeably absent from the Governor’s speech was any mention of property tax relief. In my opinion it is obvious that Governor Pritzker is more focused on expanding government than addressing residents’ most pressing concerns. The tone of his speech also made it clear that JB Pritzker’s priority is improving his national profile and attacking President Trump. The needs of Illinoisans are clearly taking a back seat to his political ambitions for 2028.
Following the speech, I issued this press statement:
“J.B. Pritzker’s budget address wasn’t about governing—it was about launching his national campaign. Instead of tackling Illinois’ skyrocketing taxes, failing schools, or horrific crime, he used the moment to pander to the far-left, spewing the rhetoric of a desperate politician auditioning for the national stage rather than a leader focused on solutions.
“His budget isn’t grounded in reality. It’s a fantasy designed to appease progressive elites, while everyday Illinoisans bear the burden of the highest taxes in the Midwest and flee the state in record numbers. This is a governor who didn’t get where he is on merit, and it shows. He didn’t build his fortune—he inherited it. And when it came time to pay his fair share, he stashed his wealth in the Cayman Islands to avoid taxes.
“Worst of all, instead of uniting the people of Illinois, he chose to demonize Republicans, comparing half the country—including the leader of the free world—to Nazis. This is beyond reckless; it’s disqualifying.”
After the speech, I also gave a radio interview. Click here to listen to that interview.
IPASS on Demand Coming to Oregon on March 10
Due to the popularity of the IPASS on Demand events I have been hosting over the last several months, I have scheduled an IPASS event in Oregon.
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. If you have any questions about this event, please call my legislative office at (815) 232-0774 or email Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Senator Chesney Meets with Representative of Collegiate Farm Bureau and Birth to Five Illinois
Last week it was a pleasure to welcome Collegiate Farm Bureau members from Highland Community College to the State Capitol. We had a great conversation and I am glad to see how interested they are in the relationship between state government and Illinois’ top economic driver- Agriculture.
Later that same day I had a nice conversation with Abby Hoskins, Regional Council Manager at Birth to Five Illinois. This organization has a goal of becoming the best state in the nation for families raising young children by improving and expanding the delivery of childcare and early learning programs for children from birth until they start Kindergarten. I like visiting and talking with individuals who are passionate about an issue and enjoyed these conversations.
Illinois Seniors Can Save Big – Apply for Property Tax Deferral Today!
The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program offers qualified seniors the opportunity to defer property taxes on their primary residences, helping to reduce financial stress and provide peace of mind. Seniors in Illinois may qualify for up to $7,500 in property tax deferral, and applications are now open.
Seniors who need assistance with property taxes should apply by March 1stat their local County Assessor’s Office. This program allows taxpayers who qualify to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year, which can cover both the first and second installment payments of property taxes. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, which will pay the tax bill directly to the county collector’s office.
Key Points:
- The deferred property taxes are subject to a 3% simple interest rate per year.
- A lien will be placed on the property for all deferred tax payments and interest.
- Interest on the deferred amount is due upon the homeowner’s death, when the home is transferred, or if the homeowner decides to pay off the deferred taxes earlier.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 65 years of age or older before June 1 of the year the application is filed.
- Have a total annual household income of $65,000 or less.
- Have owned and occupied the property for at least the last three years.
- Own the property, or share joint ownership with a spouse, or be the sole beneficiary (or both the property owner and spouse as sole beneficiaries) of an Illinois land trust.
- Have no unpaid property taxes or special assessments on the property.
- Have adequate insurance against fire or casualty loss.
How to Apply: Eligible seniors must reach out to their local County Assessor’s Office to obtain the application. Completed applications must be submitted to the office by March 1 of each year in which the applicant wishes to defer property taxes or special assessments.
For more information, seniors should contact their local County Assessor’s Office directly.
