NW Illinois News

Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly passed several major bills during the final day of the 2026 fall veto session, including new taxes, changes to immigration enforcement, public transit funding, energy rates, and business taxation. State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), who represents the 45th Senate District after being elected in 2023, voiced strong opposition to these measures.

One significant piece of legislation was House Bill 1312, which restricts federal immigration officers from making civil arrests inside or within 1,000 feet of courthouses in Illinois. The bill establishes "safe zones" around courthouses and introduces fines and civil lawsuits against immigration agents for violations. According to Chesney, "Through this bill, immigration agents could face $10,000 fines and civil lawsuits simply for carrying out their duties. It even allows individuals to sue federal officers for alleged violations of 'constitutional rights,' with extra penalties if agents wear masks or fail to wear body cameras. The measure is designed to intimidate and penalize ICE agents, further weakening cooperation between state authorities and federal law enforcement." He criticized the law as undermining public safety and making it harder for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate.

Another controversial measure was Senate Bill 2111 concerning public transit funding. The bill redirects revenue from the state's motor fuel sales tax and increases tollway tolls by 45 cents. Chesney argued that this move disproportionately benefits Chicago at the expense of other regions: "I voted no on SB 2111 because this plan raises costs for families who can least afford it and takes more from our communities to cover Chicago’s spending problems."

Energy policy also saw changes with Senate Bill 25, which removes caps on energy rate increases. Critics like Chesney warn this could lead to an $8 billion hike on power bills statewide: "I believe the provisions of the bill will drive up costs for families already struggling with high utility bills, while directing billions toward special-interest projects and unproven technology that will not make energy more affordable or reliable."

The legislature additionally approved Senate Bill 1911 to decouple Illinois from certain federal tax relief measures enacted under former President Trump. Chesney described this as a move that would increase taxes on businesses: "Currently, Illinois faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and I believe this new tax hike would only make matters worse. Every other state competing for factories, jobs, and new facilities is offering incentives to build, but decoupling sends a clear message that Illinois is closed for business."

Chesney concluded his remarks by criticizing Governor Pritzker's administration for what he sees as prioritizing short-term revenue over economic stability: "Governor Pritzker and his allies are prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term economic stability, and I believe that instead of creating jobs and helping families get ahead, Democrats are choosing yet another tax hike that raises costs, drives away opportunity, and makes it even harder for Illinois families to succeed."

Chesney succeeded Brian Stewart as senator after winning election in 2023.