Threat Case Resolved Following Guilty Plea
This week marked the end of a troubling chapter for my family and I following the resolution of a case involving threats made against me.
Joseph Haggerty, a Chicago resident and city inspector, was arrested on November 25 and has since entered a guilty plea, accepting the terms of a plea agreement.
Reporting by ABC7 Chicago previously outlined the details of the investigation and arrest.
Situations like this are unsettling, not just for elected officials, but for their families as well. I was reassured by the swift response from law enforcement, and I am thankful to the Illinois State Police, Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall, and Stephenson County State’s Attorney Carl Larson for their professionalism and dedication throughout the process.
While accountability is essential, I also believe people should be given the opportunity to take responsibility and move forward. In this case, the defendant has served jail time, paid a significant fine, and will be required to follow strict court-ordered conditions, including treatment.
My focus has always been on keeping my family and the public safe. As this chapter closes, I am especially grateful for the constant support of my wife Kelly and my son Nick, and I hope everyone involved is able to move ahead in a healthier direction.
For those who want more information:
a copy of the Stephenson County State’s Attorney Carl Larson’s press release can be found here. A copy of the defendant’s letter can be found here.
President Trump Delivers a Year of Action and Results
President Trump’s first 365 days back in office have been one of the most productive and decisive years of leadership our country has seen in a long time, and I fully support the direction he’s taking America.
From day one, he moved aggressively to secure the border and restore the rule of law. Illegal crossings collapsed to their lowest levels since the failed Biden era. More than 2.6 million illegals were removed from the country and catch and release was finally ended. Criminal illegals were targeted and removed, the border wall is moving forward again, and fentanyl trafficking at the southern border has been cut dramatically. For the first time in years, Americans can clearly see that our immigration laws are being enforced.
Public safety has followed the same no-nonsense approach. Violent crime and homicides dropped nationwide, overdose deaths fell, and federal law enforcement once again has the backing it needs to go after gangs, cartels, and repeat offenders instead of being tied up by politics.
On the economy, President Trump delivered real relief. Inflation is down, wages are rising, gas prices have fallen, and working families are keeping more of what they earn. Tax relief, deregulation, and a tougher trade stance are driving new investment and bringing jobs back home.
This is what America First leadership looks like. One year in, President Trump is proving that strong leadership and clear priorities still matter, and it’s making a real difference for families here in Illinois and across the country.
Democrats Move to Blacklist Law Enforcement Officers
A far-left piece of legislation has crossed my desk, and I’m raising the alarm for the 45th District and families across Illinois. This is a reckless, knuckle-headed bill that puts radical ideology ahead of public safety and common sense.
SB 2820 would ban anyone hired as an ICE or federal immigration officer during the Trump Administration from ever working in Illinois law enforcement. Not because they broke the law. Not because they failed the job. Simply because Democrats don’t like who they worked for.
It’s a sick and twisted idea. These men and women risk their lives every day to remove the worst criminals from our communities and protect innocent families. Instead of backing law enforcement, Governor Pritzker and his far-left allies would rather reward criminal behavior and blacklist those who enforce the law.
I will fight this unconstitutional garbage every step of the way, and I will not back down. I’m calling on you to contact Springfield and demand Democrats drop the political theater, stop targeting law enforcement, and put public safety, common sense, and law-abiding citizens first.
Chesney Supports Effort to Refocus SNAP on Nutrition and Accountability
I am supporting legislation sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson that aims to bring the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) back to its core mission: helping families afford nutritious food while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Senate Bill 2908 would direct the Illinois Department of Human Services to pursue federal authorization to restrict SNAP purchases of items such as candy, sugary soft drinks, energy drinks, and other heavily processed products that contribute to poor health outcomes and rising medical costs.
Research shows a significant share of SNAP spending is currently used on sugary beverages and desserts, products that offer little nutritional benefit and fall outside the program’s original intent.
The proposal maintains full access to essential groceries, including staple foods, fresh produce, and medically necessary nutrition items, while ensuring recipients and retailers receive advance notice and clear guidance before any changes take effect.
Because SNAP is governed by federal law, the bill would simply allow Illinois to request a waiver. No changes could be implemented without approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
I have previously written about the need for commonsense SNAP reforms that prioritize health, accountability, and program integrity. My recent column discussing these issues can be found here.
Senate Bill 2908 is currently assigned to the Senate Assignments Committee.
