NW Illinois News

Republican House candidate Andrew Chesney sees common-sense principles making a fundamental difference in neighboring states and wants Illinois to follow suit.

“One of the biggest issues that comes up among voters is the idea of a balanced budget and the state living within its means so that we can get to that point,” Chesney told the NW Illinois News. “The budgetary standoff still left in place by all these significant tax increases is undeniable. Even if you agree or disagree about where the budget truly stands, most would agree nothing that’s been done fixes the runaway pension system or helps in erasing all the burdensome regulation that puts the state at such a disadvantage when compared to its neighbors.”

Chesney, running against Democrat Nick Hyde in the 89th House District, said it’s time lawmakers take a hard look at the onerous regulations that put the state behind the eight-ball and set out to make real change in every area possible.

Nick Hyde

“Workman's compensation is a very important threshold and a most appropriate starting place,” he said. “That law alone keeps a lot of people and businesses out of Illinois given its crippling impact.”

Reducing the layers of government that lead to over-regulation and stifles the economy is another policy change that could make a difference, he said.

“We need to get to a place where we allow local branches of government to determine what’s best for themselves,” Chesney said. “The last thing you want is a continuation of this top-down approach where you have Springfield making decisions for everyone about everything that comes about. I think we need to be limiting the power and authority of Springfield and returning that oversight to local leaders. That’s what gives us the best chance of seeing this state prosper again.”

The 89th House District includes parts or all of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll, Ogle and Whiteside counties.