NW Illinois News

The Illinois Farm Bureau recently recognized state Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) for his 100% pro-agriculture voting record in his first full term in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Stephenson County Farm Bureau president Steve Fricke was on hand in Rockford to present the Friend of Agriculture award to Chesney, according to his website. Though several legislators were recognized with the award that requires a 60% agriculture-friendly voting record to obtain, Chesney was one of the few to claim a 100% rating from the Farm Bureau.

Chesney said he felt honored by the recognition the Farm Bureau gave him for his efforts.

“The agricultural economy is so important to Northwest Illinois families and is intertwined with our Northwest Illinois values,” Chesney said.

Receiving the award also prompted Chesney to recommit to his ongoing support for Illinois’ farmers and other agricultural businesses.

“I won’t give up on our region and our farmers and producers who are feeding the world,” Chesney said. “As a strong advocate for our American agricultural exceptionalism, I am pleased to work tirelessly on behalf of our farmers and producers.”

Chesney also recently showed his support for the cultural institutions of his home region by urging fellow northwest Illinoisans to sign a petition urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to reverse his decision that effectively canceled the fall high school football season.

“'Let them play' is a sentiment I hear repeatedly from parents and student-athletes in all sports in Illinois,” Chesney said. “The governor has clearly made a political decision here. All of Illinois’ surrounding states are safely allowing high school football and other sports, but Gov. Pritzker is blocking local school and public health officials from making that decision here.”