NW Illinois News

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has come under criticism for his actions regarding redistricting and support for Texas Democratic lawmakers currently in Illinois. Senator Andrew Chesney, a Republican representing the 45th District since 2023, highlighted what he describes as inconsistency in Pritzker’s stance on gerrymandering.

Recently, a group of Texas Democratic legislators traveled to Illinois to avoid voting on a redistricting plan that would favor Republicans in their home state. Their absence prevents the Texas legislature from reaching a quorum necessary to conduct business. Governor Pritzker welcomed these lawmakers and expressed public support for them.

Chesney commented on this situation: "The entire situation is dripping with hypocrisy. We cannot forget that when Pritzker ran for governor in 2018, he did so on a very specific promise that he would veto any gerrymandered maps drawn by politicians. And yet, when the time came to act on that promise, Pritzker folded and signed the maps into law."

He pointed out that legislative maps approved by Illinois Democrats in 2021 have been criticized as some of the most aggressively gerrymandered in the country. According to Chesney, Democrats control 14 out of 17 congressional seats despite Republicans receiving about 40% to 45% of statewide votes. He also referenced Princeton University’s 2021 redistricting report card, which gave Illinois an “F” grade for its process.

"Evidently, in Pritzker’s mind, gerrymandering is only bad when Republicans do it," Chesney said.

In other legislative news, two bills aimed at controlling Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) among deer populations were recently signed into law with Chesney serving as Chief Co-Sponsor of both measures. CWD is a fatal disease affecting deer and related species; recent cases have been confirmed across several northern Illinois counties.

House Bill 2340 requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to issue landowner deer permits to property owners with at least 20 acres in areas where CWD has been detected. This legislation was developed following input from sportsmen who wanted hunters involved in efforts to manage CWD outbreaks.

Previously, only IDNR could eliminate affected deer. House Bill 2339 stipulates that IDNR must end its sharpshooting program three years after the last confirmed case within monitored herds but allows reinstatement if new cases arise.

Senator Chesney also reminded constituents about his Summer Reading Program deadline: "Today, August 13, is the deadline for submitting completed reading logs for my 2025 Summer Reading Program." The program encouraged students entering first through sixth grades to read eight books over summer break.

Chesney’s office announced upcoming traveling office hours throughout Northwest Illinois communities so residents can receive help with issues involving state agencies or departments such as unemployment claims or professional licensure problems. While Senator Chesney will not attend these events personally due to their focus on constituent services, his staff will be present at each location.

For more information about Senator Andrew Chesney and his service since being elected in 2023 replacing Brian Stewart as senator for Illinois’ 45th District, visit https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3226.