Chesney Files Law Suit Challenging Constitutionality of Budget Adoption Process
Late at night on May 31, the Democrat Majority in Illinois rammed through the budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2025. They relied on a dishonest process that lacked transparency and all but eliminated the opportunity for lawmakers to fully read, understand, and ask relevant questions about the 3,363-page document.
In response, earlier this month I joined a group of conservative lawmakers in challenging the unconstitutional, unethical, and backroom process used by Democrats to ram through the irresponsible spending plan.
The Illinois Constitution requires that every bill be read on three separate days in each chamber, a safeguard meant to ensure thoughtful deliberation, prevent abuse, and protect taxpayers. Yet, year after year, Springfield insiders bypass that rule by gutting unrelated bills and stuffing them with bloated, last-minute spending, often just hours before lawmakers are forced to vote. This year, at the 11th hour, Illinois Democrats replaced a single-sentence bill with the 3,363 pages of budget language, and took a final action vote in less than 48 hours, violating and making a mockery of the constitutionally-mandated three reading rule.
It was a deliberate subversion of the people’s Constitution. Our lawsuit is not about just one corrupt budget. It is about whether our Constitution means anything at all. If the rules no longer apply to those in power, then Illinois no longer has a government of laws. It means Illinois has a government of convenience and for the benefit of political insiders. I am fighting to make sure this state answers to its people so Illinoisans have a government that works for them, not against them.
The full complaint can be viewed here.
Governor Signs Record-Breaking Budget into Law
While our lawsuit is pending in Sangamon County Court, on June 16, Governor JB Pritzker moved forward and signed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget into law. It is the largest government spending plan in Illinois history – a more than $55 billion spending plan that includes nearly $1 billion in new tax increases and relies heavily on budget gimmicks and one-time revenue grabs.
The FY 2026 budget reflects a nearly $15 billion increase, almost 40%, since Pritzker took office. The massive government spending plan relies on new and increased taxes on vacation rentals like Airbnb, gaming, phone services, nicotine products, and hundreds of millions in additional taxes on businesses that will inevitably be passed on to consumers.
Republican-led efforts to provide tax relief to Illinois families were blocked this year. While the budget continues to fund programs for illegal immigrants, it underfunds services for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens. The plan also eliminates a small, but vital property tax relief program for families already struggling to survive.
This is yet another bloated government spending plan that keeps growing while family incomes remain stagnant. It adds to the strain on working families, drives employers out of Illinois, and offers little relief in a state already burdened with the highest tax load in the nation.
Senator Chesney Meets with Newly-Elected Village Officials in the 45th District
With the spring session now finished, I enjoy spending the summer months meeting with constituents and community leaders, learning about their priorities and their challenges. Last week I spent a day meeting with newly-elected village presidents from across the district. We discussed their visions for the futures of their communities, and talked about how we can work together to achieve our shared goals so that communities can thrive. I truly appreciate the opportunity to have these conversations, and look forward to more collaborative discussions. In the series of photos above, I am shown with (L-R): Elizabeth Village President Scott Toot and Village Clerk Karla Rolwes, Hanover Village President Ned Flack, and Stockton Village President Mitch Kappes.
Momentum Builds Against Illinois’ Unconstitutional Gun Ban
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has come out against Illinois’ 2023 ban on more than 170 semi-automatic firearms, including commonly owned rifles like the AR-15. In a legal filing, DOJ attorneys said the law violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
A federal judge in southern Illinois has already ruled the law unconstitutional. Illinois is appealing the decision to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which is now reviewing the case.
I believe the ban unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners and that the DOJ’s position reinforces the long-standing constitutional right to possess commonly used firearms.
Backing that view, 35 Illinois State’s Attorneys have also filed a brief urging the court to strike down the ban, saying it punishes citizens without reducing crime. The court’s final decision could have a major impact on gun rights not just in Illinois, but across the country.
IPASS on Demand Coming to Genoa on June 24
I want to thank everyone who came out to the documents shredding events I hosted Saturday in Rockton and Roscoe. We had a tremendous turnout for both events and filled the shred truck.
I have another popular constituent outreach event coming up this week. I will have a mobile team from the Secretary of State’s office in Genoa for an IPASS on Demand event, to help motorists switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology.
IPASS on Demand in Genoa
Tuesday, June 24
Genoa City Hall
333 East 1st Street, Genoa
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Co-Hosted by Genoa Mayor Jonathan Brust
Those who attend should bring their plastic IPASS transponder(s) and jot down license plate numbers to ensure quick service.
Additional events will be added, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on events near you.
