Senator Chesney Addresses Hundreds That Rally in Support of Second Amendment at Statehouse
The streets of Springfield were filled with hundreds of supporters of the Second Amendment on April 18 as Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) took center stage. It is one of my favorite days of the session year, as Second Amendment enthusiasts march to the Capitol in Springfield to lobby for their Constitutional rights.
It was an honor to address the crowd and show my unwavering support of lawful gun owners and their rights as citizens of this state.
The group began their day in downtown Springfield, hosting a rally at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center. They then marched a half-mile to the Capitol, heard from various speakers, and met with their local lawmakers to discuss legislative issues related to the Second Amendment.
In my opinion, this event is more important than ever considering the recent years of attempts to erode law-abiding constitutional rights by the Majority Party.
New Legislation Gives Law Enforcement More Authority to Evict Squatters
Law enforcement would be given more authority to evict squatters who are illegally residing in other people’s homes under legislation I am co-sponsoring this year.
Senate Bill 3658 targets situations where a person moves into a house while the occupants are out of town, then claims to have a lease triggering an expensive and lengthy process for the rightful owner to regain control of their home.
The bill states that no person shall have a right or legal standing to occupy or remain on or in any real property, residence, or structure if the person has no written property interest under a written lease or rental agreement with the owner of the property listed in county tax records or the owner’s agent; has no documentation of payment of rent made to the owner of the property or the owner’s agent; and fails to provide any evidence of an oral or written agreement in which a property interest is claimed.
The legislation was heard during an April 16 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where the committee voted 8-0 to recommend approval to the full Senate.
Senate Republicans Highlight Major Issues with Likely-Unconstitutional University Funding Plan
Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are calling attention to serious issues with a proposed funding formula for the state’s higher education system. Specifically, Republicans take issue with elements of the formula that base the amount of funding to state universities on a student’s race. The formula would fund higher education institutions on a per-student basis, with tiers of $2,000, $4,000, $6,000, and $8,000, based on multiple factors, including race.
They noted that under the recent Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ruling, basing funding levels on race is likely unconstitutional. Additionally, that type of plan would violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964, jeopardizing any and all federal funding for the schools. The Senators pointed to the University of Illinois, which received more than $750 million in funding in 2023, as an example of what could be at stake.
Republican lawmakers also raised concerns that the formula does not consider the cost of operating medical schools, graduate programs or necessary deferred maintenance.
Senate Republicans are hoping to draw attention to the proposed formula and ensure proper vetting before the associated legislation comes up for a vote.
Chesney Launches Summer Reading Program
Summer is just around the corner and my 2024 summer reading program is about to get underway. To keep young minds active during the summer break from school, I am offering first through sixth grade students from the 45th District an opportunity to participate in this year’s program.
Students entering first through sixth grades are challenged to read eight books over the course of the summer. Books over 200 pages may count as two books. Once a student has completed the readings, a summer reading form should be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian. The form can be accessed here. The form is printable.
Completed forms should be mailed to:
State Senator Andrew Chesney
50 West Douglas Street, Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
Those who complete my summer reading challenge will receive an official certificate of recognition from the Illinois Senate and an invitation to an ice cream party. Forms should be returned by August 4th to be eligible for the recognition. For additional information, please contact Senator Chesney’s district office at (815) 232-0774.
