Lena and Roscoe Begin Road to Recovery
I spent time in Lena and Roscoe following the tornadoes that tore through the communities Friday, and the level of destruction is hard to put into words. Homes have been damaged, parts of the infrastructure are down, and the school in Lena took a hit. It is a difficult moment for a lot of families right now.
But, what stood out just as much as the damage was the response. Local leaders, first responders, emergency management, public works teams, and so many others moved quickly and worked together to stabilize the situation and start helping residents. I joined Congressman Darin LaHood, State Representative John Cabello, and other state officials on the ground to get a clear picture of what comes next and how we continue supporting recovery efforts.
Crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear debris, and at this point power has been fully restored across the district. Thank you to everyone stepping up and doing their part to support their neighbors and uplift these communities.
Lena and Roscoe are facing a tough road ahead, but they take care of their own. That has been clear from the moment the storms passed. We are going to keep working to make sure families have the support they need and that these communities come back strong. Please continue to keep the families impacted and everyone working on the ground in your prayers.
Chesney Applauds End of Controversial CWD Deer Culling Policy
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is welcoming the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ decision to end its controversial deer sharpshooting program, a policy he has criticized for years.
“After years of frustration from hunters and landowners, IDNR is finally pulling the plug on a program that never should have existed in the first place,” Senator Chesney said. “This was a top-down approach that upset local communities and undermined the role of hunters in managing our deer population.”
For more than two decades, IDNR used targeted sharpshooting in an effort to control chronic wasting disease (CWD), including placing bait sites on private land to attract and remove large numbers of deer in specific areas. The program drew widespread criticism from hunters who correctly argued it was ineffective and disruptive.
Senator Chesney has long been a vocal opponent of the program. His first bill passed in the General Assembly increased transparency by requiring additional reporting to lawmakers on the state’s CWD management efforts. He has also supported legislation to eliminate the sharpshooting program entirely.
“It’s the hunters on the ground who understand and manage our deer population best,” Senator Chesney said. “This decision is a step in the right direction. We should be working with them, not against them.”
Moving forward, IDNR plans to shift its strategy toward increased public engagement, monitoring, and voluntary participation from hunters and landowners to help manage the spread of CWD.
Learn more about IDNR’s updated approach here.
IGOLD Shows the Strength of Law-Abiding Gun Owners
Illinoisans gathered in Springfield for IGOLD (Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day), standing together in strong support of our Second Amendment rights. It was a powerful reminder that when law-abiding citizens show up and make their voices heard, it sends a clear message to those in power.
The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom, protected by our Constitution and deeply rooted in the founding of our country. It is not something to be taken lightly, and it is certainly not something that should be chipped away by out-of-touch democrat politicians.
Events like IGOLD matter because they demonstrate the strength and unity of responsible gun owners across our state. These are individuals who follow the law, respect their communities, and take seriously their role in protecting their families.
But showing up once a year is not enough. The fight to defend our Second Amendment rights happens every day, whether it is pushing back against bad legislation or making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people they represent.
I will continue standing with you in that fight and working to ensure your rights are protected here in Illinois.
Meeting with Illinois REALTORS® at the Capitol
I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with members of the Illinois REALTORS® while they were at the Capitol. Representing more than 50,000 professionals across the state, they play a critical role in supporting Illinois’ housing market and strengthening local economies.
Their work goes far beyond buying and selling homes. They are strong advocates for private property rights and help ensure that families, homeowners, and businesses have a voice in policies that directly impact their livelihoods. In a state where affordability and economic growth continue to be major concerns, their perspective is incredibly important.
It was valuable to hear directly from those working on the front lines of real estate in Illinois. These conversations provide real insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.
I look forward to continuing to work with Illinois REALTORS® to support policies that protect property rights and promote a stronger, more stable housing market across our state.
JCE Co-op at the Capitol
I had a great time connecting with members of JCE Co-op during their visit to the Capitol this week. It was a valuable opportunity to sit down and talk about the role cooperatives play in keeping our communities running strong.
We had a productive conversation about the importance of reliable, affordable service, especially in rural areas where co-ops are often the backbone of daily life. These organizations are member-owned, which means their focus stays where it belongs, on the people they serve.
What stood out most was their commitment to the communities they call home. Whether it’s reinvesting in local infrastructure, supporting community initiatives, or simply making sure families and businesses have the service they need, JCE Co-op continues to make a real difference across Northwest Illinois.
I appreciate everything they do for their members and our region. It’s always good to hear directly from those on the front lines working to keep our communities strong.
