NW Illinois News

Senator Andrew Chesney has urged President Donald Trump to continue with plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, following reports of reduced crime after a similar deployment in Washington, D.C. Chesney stated that President Trump has focused on public safety in Chicago, which he described as having long-standing issues with violent crime.

After President Trump announced his intentions for Chicago, Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and other Democratic leaders publicly opposed the proposal, asserting that Illinois does not require federal assistance. Chesney participated in a press conference alongside conservative legislators and anti-crime advocates to encourage the president to proceed. “During the conference, we urged President Trump to move forward with plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago,” Chesney said.

The senator also addressed concerns about Illinois’ decision to eliminate cash bail under the SAFE-T Act. On August 25, President Trump signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to consider withholding funding from states that have ended cash bail, citing public safety concerns. “I support this executive order 100%,” Chesney said.

Chesney reiterated his call for repealing the SAFE-T Act after a recent incident involving the death of a Freeport woman by an individual who was reportedly a repeat felony offender and undocumented immigrant. He argued that since Illinois became the first state to eliminate cash bail in 2023, critics claim it has made it easier for repeat and violent offenders to be released.

“Illinois families deserve a justice system that prioritizes victims and law enforcement over criminals, not reckless policies that put ideology ahead of safety and reward criminals. To that end, I am again calling on Democrat leaders to repeal the SAFE-T Act and restore accountability before communities and law-abiding citizens are harmed,” Chesney said.

Chesney also highlighted community engagement efforts such as his 2025 Summer Reading Program. This year saw record participation with 160 children from the 45th District recognized at an event held at Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square in Freeport.

On legislative matters, Chesney noted that House Bill 3140—which he supported—was signed into law this year. The bill creates a grant program providing up to $1,500 annually for veterinary care expenses for retired police K9s who served at least five years or three years if injured on duty. Funding comes from sales of Illinois’ new K-9 Memorial License Plate and will only begin if there are at least 2,000 requests by January 2028.

With students returning to school across Illinois, Chesney reminded families and educators about available tax credits aimed at easing educational costs. The K-12 Education Expense Credit allows households to claim up to $750 for qualifying expenses; nearly 200,000 families used this credit last year for an average savings of $324 per family. Educators can apply for up to $500 through the Instructional Materials and Supplies Credit—with married couples eligible for up to $1,000—benefiting over 81,000 educators statewide in 2024.

“These tax credits are a practical way to help ease the financial burden of a new school year, and I would encourage families and teachers to keep their receipts and file for the relief they deserve,” said Chesney.

For more information on these programs visit https://tax.illinois.gov/ and see IDOR Publication 112.

Chesney is a Republican who was elected in 2023 as state senator representing Illinois' 45th Senate District (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3225), succeeding Brian Stewart.