ComEd Works Around the Clock to Restore Power after July 15 storms
The storms that ripped through Northern Illinois during the evening of July 15 produced at least 10 tornadoes and left almost half-a-million ComEd customers without power. However, I am happy to report that as of last Friday, power had been restored to 99% of the utility’s customers.
As crews addressed the widespread outages, they prioritized repairs to hospitals, senior centers, law enforcement and fire departments, and then the residential customer base. I sincerely appreciate that ComEd crews worked around the clock to restore power to those living in the 45th District and across Northern Illinois.
Senator Chesney Offers Spring Survey
Completed surveys are beginning to trickle into my legislative office and I am enjoying reading the results. My summer survey was recently mailed to households in the 45th Senate District, and a digital version is also available.
There are critical challenges that face our state, and legislators will be called on to take difficult votes. This new survey includes multiple choice and open-ended questions. Please take a moment to share your opinions on issues of importance and use the open-ended section to share additional opinions and feedback. Click here to access a digital version of the survey. My staff and I will review every submission, and we look forward to your participation.
Governors’ Progressive Tax Rate for Sportsbooks Doubles Rates for Some Operators
Earlier this month, Illinois began a sharp tax increase on its sportsbooks, with rates more than doubling for some operators.
This tax hike, driven by Governor Pritzker’s bloated budget, introduces a progressive tax system to Illinois’ robust sports betting industry. Under the new tax system, the industry will move away from a flat 15% rate to a graduated structure, ranging from 20% for its lowest-earning sportsbooks to up to 40% for high-end earners. This change is expected to impact both sportsbook operators and everyday bettors in the state.
During the spring legislative session, Senate Republicans voiced strong opposition to the new tax rates for Illinois sportsbooks, arguing that the increased taxes could harm both the industry and casual bettors. Republican lawmakers were also concerned that higher rates could drive operators out of the state and reduce the quality of sports betting options available to Illinois consumers.
When the proposal was first brought forward, some of the titans of the sports betting industry, including FanDuel, threatened to potentially leave the state if the new tax structure was implemented but have since reevaluated. However, concerns remain that the tax hikes will result in a net-negative outcome for Illinoisans, with major gaming outfits potentially looking to spend their marketing budgets elsewhere and offering less promotional opportunities for Illinois bettors.
ISP Enhance Efforts Against Vehicle Theft and Hijacking
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is continuing its efforts to combat vehicle theft and hijacking, thanks to a substantial $10 million grant from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council.
This funding aims to support ISP’s mission of catching bad actors committing vehicle thefts, hijackings, and other related violent crimes. An additional $677,000 grant was also announced in June 2024.
From April to June of 2024, ISP recovered 251 stolen and/or hijacked vehicles and made over 24 stolen vehicle arrests.
This grant will allow ISP to allocate more resources towards enhanced patrols, air operations support, investigations, and forensic services to address these issues effectively.
