Illinois State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport)
State Government: Elected Officials | Elected State Senators
Recent News About Illinois State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport)
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Illinois to Launch New Intake Center, Shelter Site for Migrants Arriving in Chicago
Illinois Governor Pritzker has announced plans to launch a new intake center and shelter site in Chicago to support the growing number of migrants arriving in the city. The move comes as Chicago has received nearly 30,000 individuals and families seeking asylum since August 2022. Governor Pritzker stated that the funds will be used to provide supplies, hotel rooms, and eventually a shelter at a former CVS in Little Village.However, Senator Chesney criticized the Governor, arguing that he should not be surprised at the number of migrants being sent to Illinois. Chesney...
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Senator Andrew Chesney Launches First Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive
Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney has announced the launch of his first annual "Valentines for Seniors" card drive. The initiative aims to bring joy and show appreciation to the elderly in the community by delivering homemade cards to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 45th Senate District."Seniors are a special part of our community, and this card drive will show them they are appreciated and that we're thinking of them," said Senator Chesney. He is calling on students from public and private schools, church groups,...
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Senator Chesney Launches Valentines for Seniors Program, Migrant Crisis Intensifies
Senator Chesney of the 45th District has announced the launch of a new program called "Valentines for Seniors," aimed at bringing joy and companionship to elderly individuals in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and long-term care facilities. The program invites students and community groups to create homemade cards, notes, and drawings that will be distributed to seniors on or before Valentine's Day. Senator Chesney emphasizes the importance of combatting loneliness among the elderly, stating, "Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, so it’s nice to bring...
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Senator Andrew Chesney Responds to Arrival of 355 Migrants at Rockford Airport on Morning of New Year’s Eve
On the morning of December 31, a plane carrying 355 migrants landed at the Chicago Rockford International Airport in Winnebago County. The migrants were then transported to Chicago by buses. State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) expressed his thoughts on the arrival of the immigrants and highlighted the implications of weak border policies and sanctuary state designation.Senator Chesney commended Winnebago Sheriff Gary Caruana and his department for their quick response in rerouting the migrants to Chicago. He attributed the arrival of the migrants to the weak border...
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New Year, New Laws: Illinois Prepares for 2024
As the year comes to a close, Illinois residents are gearing up for the implementation of more than 300 new laws set to take effect on January 1, 2024. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from limiting 2nd Amendment rights to providing greater protections for children, veterans, and first responders.One of the key issues that made headlines during the fall veto session was the expiration of bipartisan legislation that established higher minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of certain crimes. Republican lawmakers expressed their frustration with Democrat...
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New Year's Resolutions for the State of Illinois
As the holiday season approaches, Illinoisans are starting to reflect on the past year and look ahead with hope for the future. With the arrival of the new year, many individuals will make resolutions to bring positive change into their lives. But what about the state of Illinois itself? What changes can be made to improve the lives of its residents?One Illinois legislator has shared their vision for a better Illinois. They dream of an Illinois where families can support themselves without the burden of high taxes and where parents have the freedom to choose the best...
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Rules for Enforcement of “Assault Weapons” Ban Remain in Flux
Lawmakers in Illinois are still in the process of determining the rules for the enforcement of the state's "assault weapon" ban. The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently presented their proposed permanent rules to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for consideration. However, action on these rules has been delayed until the January meeting of JCAR, and in the meantime, the temporary emergency rules set by the ISP remain in effect.The temporary emergency rules include requirements for registering existing weapons that fall under the ban. Owners of banned...
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Rescue Pets Find Forever Homes, New Leader for IL Farm Bureau, Shop with a Cop
Senator Andrew Chesney Hosts Successful Pet Rescue EventSenator Andrew Chesney recently partnered with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for a Pet Rescue Fair. The event was a great success, with a strong turnout and several animals finding new forever homes. Senator Chesney, a staunch advocate for animal welfare, sponsored multiple bills focusing on the ethical treatment of animals, including Senate Bill 1882, which prohibits toxicological experiments involving dogs and cats, and Senate Bill 1230, which closes a loophole in the puppy mill ban law. The Pet...
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Senator Andrew Chesney Presents Scales Mound High School Trap Team with $500 Scholarship
State Senator Andrew Chesney of Freeport surprised the Scales Mound High School Trap Team with a $500 scholarship on December 5. The scholarship, made available by the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, aims to support programs that promote hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife management."Trap shooting requires a great deal of skill and practice, and I was pleased to be able to present a check for $500 that will help with the purchase of ammunition and jerseys for the Trap Team at Scales Mound High School," said Senator Chesney. The Illinois Legislative...
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Illinois Celebrates Thanksgiving with Gratitude and Appreciation
As we enter the holiday season, Illinois residents have many reasons to be grateful. The state is known for its agricultural prowess, and the hardworking farmers deserve our highest gratitude. Illinois farmers produce three million turkeys each year, ensuring that many families enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. Not only that, but the state's dairy farmers contribute to the meal as well, with products like butter, cheese, sour cream, and whipped cream.Illinois is also a major producer of wheat, so those who had bread, biscuits, or cakes on their...
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Senator Andrew Chesney's Week in Review
Senator Andrew Chesney of Illinois had a busy week, with various initiatives and updates to share with the public.Firstly, Senator Chesney announced that he will be hosting a Pet Rescue Fair in partnership with the Friends Forever Humane Society. The event, which will take place on December 2nd, will allow visitors to interact with pets available for adoption and enjoy half-price adoptions for cats. Senator Chesney, a strong advocate for the proper treatment of animals, highlighted his sponsorship of Illinois' original puppy mill ban law in 2021 and two additional bills...
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Senator Chesney to host Pet Rescue Event on December 2
Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) will be hosting a Pet Rescue Fair in partnership with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport on December 2. The event aims to encourage pet adoption and provide an opportunity for visitors to interact with the animals.According to Senator Chesney, local animal shelters are the perfect place to find a pet. He believes that rescued animals make wonderful companions and are grateful to be adopted. In his own words, Chesney stated, "Rescued pets are so grateful when they are adopted. They make wonderful companions."The Pet Rescue...
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Political Gamesmanship is Alive and Well in Springfield
The General Assembly recently concluded the 2023 Fall Veto Session, and it was marked by a display of political gamesmanship. During this session, lawmakers examined bills with upcoming sunset dates to determine which ones would be extended. Two sunsetting bills took center stage this year, showcasing the political maneuvering that occurs in Springfield.One of these bills was SB1722, sponsored by Senator Kwame Raoul, who now serves as Illinois' Attorney General. The legislation established high-end prison terms for individuals convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a...
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Senator Andrew Chesney Denounces Pritzker Decision to Divert $160 Million in DHS Funds Toward Migrant Crisis
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's recent decision to divert $160 million from the state's Department of Human Services budget towards programs to assist immigrants arriving in Chicago has drawn criticism from State Senator Andrew Chesney. Chesney, a Republican representing Freeport, expressed his displeasure with the decision and called for a reevaluation of priorities.In a statement released shortly after the announcement, Senator Chesney highlighted his concerns about the impact of the diversion of funds on Illinois taxpayers. He stated, "Governor Pritzker should not be...
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Senator Andrew Chesney Joins Area Lawmakers and Law Enforcement Leaders for Public Safety Discussion
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) recently participated in a public safety discussion with over 75 law enforcement officials in Northwest Illinois. The event, held in Freeport, brought together police chiefs, sheriffs, and officers from various departments, as well as representatives from the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Senator Chesney emphasized the importance of regularly connecting with law enforcement leaders to understand the challenges they face in their daily work. He stated, "These are the men and women who are...
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Democrats Refuse to Extend Invest in Kids, Leaving Thousands of Families without Scholarships
Senate Republicans have pushed for an extension of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program during the fall Veto Session. However, Democrats refused to take action, leaving thousands of low-income Illinois families at a loss. The program, which provided full tuition scholarships to children in struggling public schools, is set to end on December 31. This decision means that these children will have to return to the very school setting that failed them.The Invest in Kids program, which started in 2017, has been successful in providing over $308 million in private...
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Senator Chesney Seeks Input through Fall 2023 Survey
Senator Andrew Chesney has launched a Fall 2023 Survey to gather input from his constituents as he prepares for the upcoming legislative session. The survey, which has been mailed to 40,000 households in the 45th Senate District, aims to provide the senator with valuable insights and opinions to shape his 2024 legislative agenda.In an effort to make the survey accessible to as many people as possible, Senator Chesney has also made it available online on his official website, SenatorChesney.com. This allows constituents to conveniently participate in the survey from the...
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Republican Senators Call on Gov. Pritzker to Focus on Illinois Amidst Ongoing Mismanagement Concerns
Republican Senators are urging Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to prioritize managing his administration in Illinois instead of traveling the country to increase his national profile. During a press conference on November 1, members of the Senate Republican Caucus expressed concerns about the Pritzker Administration's mismanagement and failures within multiple state agencies.One of the main issues highlighted by the senators is the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), which has seen high-profile resignations and terminations, as well as exorbitant taxpayer-funded...
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Illinois state senator: 'Be a summer reader by joining Sen. Chesney’s Summer Reading Club'
State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is encouraging children to join his Summer Reading Club and Constituent Education Resource Card program in a June11 Facebook post.
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Chesney on gender-affirming care for children: ‘Child abuse’
Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is questioning a state agency’s event titled “Dispelling Myths Around Gender-Affirming Care For Youth.”