Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney encouraged residents on May 25 to reflect on the sacrifices of military service members during Memorial Day. Chesney said, “I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.”
Chesney also met with Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith at the Capitol, describing Smith as “a true fighter who never backs down from standing up for faith, family, and the principles that matter most to so many Illinois families.” Chesney said organizations like the Illinois Family Institute play an important role in public policy discussions by giving a voice to families and people of faith across Illinois.
Chesney renewed his call for Governor JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program created under President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” He said, “this program gives Illinois families a real opportunity to access additional educational resources for their children through privately funded scholarships.” According to Chesney, states such as New York and Colorado have indicated plans to participate in this program. He added that if Illinois does not opt in, taxpayers could still contribute through federal tax credits, but benefits would go elsewhere.
Chesney invited residents of Mount Carroll and surrounding areas to attend an I-PASS On Demand Event with Mayor Carl Bates on June 24 at the Davis Community Center. The event will offer opportunities for residents to return old I-PASS transponders, receive new sticker tags, manage accounts, transfer deposit balances, and pay invoices without extra fees or fines. Chesney described these events as ways “to connect residents with helpful state services closer to home.”
Chesney was elected as a Republican in 2023 representing the 45th Senate District after replacing previous state senator Brian Stewart, according to the American Financial Services Association.
