City of Freeport to Increase Sales Tax by 1% on July 1
As of July 1, 2024, those who purchase general merchandise within the city limits of Freeport will be charged an additional 1% of sales tax. When this change takes place, Freeport’s sales tax will be 9%, one of the highest in the entire state, and higher than the City of Rockford’s sales tax rate.
As the State Senator who represents the people of Freeport, I have been vocal with my opposition to this tax increase. Not only do I believe taxes are already too high, but I also believe that every initiative that seeks to create or increase a tax rate that is imposed locally should go before voters through a referendum process. The City of Freeport is able to sidestep this requirement because it is a “Home Rule Community,” a designation granted to larger communities. Home Rule Communities are given much more authority on taxing issues than smaller communities.
Businesses across Freeport will be adjusting cash registers and computer programs to provide for the tax hike.
Senator Chesney to Host Community Connections Events in Rockton and Machesney Park
I want to thank everyone who came out to my Community Connections meeting last week in Genoa. We had a great turnout and I enjoyed answering questions from those who attended. I also want to thank the co-host of the event, Genoa Mayor Jonathan Brust, for the hospitality and for assisting with the Q & A portion of the event.
I am holding several of these meetings across the 45th District, and next up are events this week in Rockton (tonight) and Machesney Park (Wednesday). The Rockton meeting will be co-hosted by Rockton Mayor John Peterson, South Beloit Mayor Tom Fitzgerald, and Roscoe Village President Carol Gustafson, and the Machesney Park meeting will be co-hosted by Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson, Machesney Park Trustee Aaron Wilson, and Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury.
The meetings will include a brief update on the spring legislative session, and those who attend will have an opportunity to ask questions about issues that matter to them and engage in on one-on-one conversations with the community leaders.
Additional Community Connections meetings have been scheduled for July 31 in Savanna, August 28 in Freeport, and September 12 in Oregon.
Legal Battle Over Illinois Election Law Amendment Intensifies
The legal battle over a controversial new election law, recently found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge, intensified last week as legislative allies of Governor JB Pritzker petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review and reverse the ruling.
Senate Bill 2412, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May, introduced significant changes to an election process already underway. One of the law’s most contentious provisions aimed to halt the process of slating candidates to fill ballot vacancies—a process already in progress statewide. I voted against the bill when it came before the Senate and will continue to voice my opinion that it is unconstitutional.
The legislation drew swift and widespread criticism from good government groups and numerous newspaper editorial boards, who viewed it as a blatant power move by Illinois Democrats designed to safeguard incumbents and limit voter choices.
In response to the controversy, candidates affected in the 2024 election cycle challenged the law, leading to a ruling in early June by a Sangamon County judge declaring the law unconstitutional for the 2024 election.
Following this decision, Democrats are now seeking to overturn the ruling, appealing to the Illinois Supreme Court where Democrats hold a 5-2 majority.
Still Time to Participate in Senator Chesney’s 2024 Summer Reading Program
Just a reminder that there is still time for students entering first through sixth grade to participate in my Summer Reading Program. Reading keeps young minds active and minimizes the “summer academic slide.”
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. A printable form can be accessed at https://senatorchesney.com/ChesneySummerReading.
Completed forms should be mailed to:
State Senator Andrew Chesney
50 West Douglas Street, Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
Forms should be returned by August 4th to be eligible for the recognition. For additional information, please contact my district office at (815) 232-0774.
Chesney Visits with Members of Savanna Rotary Club
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and I had a wonderful visit with members of the Savanna Rotary club recently. There are just under 50 Rotary clubs in Northwest Illinois, and the members of the Savanna club are doing great work in their community.
Rotary provides service opportunities and promotes integrity and a world understanding through its core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. I really enjoyed talking with this involved group of community servants.
