Prairie State Wire

CHESNEY: Rural Illinois “Not Forgotten” when it comes to Higher Taxes and Fees

By State Rep. Andrew Chesney (R–Freeport) | Jan 5, 2020

It’s no secret that much of rural Illinois, the vast region of Illinois outside of Chicago and the collar counties, feels forgotten by Chicago democrats running Illinois when it comes to things like state spending priorities.

CHESNEY: Despite rancorous rhetoric in national politics, many in public service focused on helping their neighbors

By State Rep. Andrew Chesney (R–Freeport) | Dec 22, 2019

As we bring 2019 to a close, I cannot help but think of one of our society’s favorite pieces of literature, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

OPINION: Chesney: Pension Reform is the 800-Pound Gorilla

By State Rep. Andrew Chesney (R–Freeport) | Oct 27, 2019

You cannot address budgetary reform in Illinois without addressing pension reform. You cannot address high property taxes in Illinois without addressing pension reform. You cannot understand the push by the tax-and-spend crowd to tax retirement income without understanding the need for pension reform. You see, pension reform is the 800-pound gorilla of state government dysfunction.