Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney announced on June 1 that he voted against the latest state budget, a proposed tax deal for the Chicago Bears, and legislation granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants at public universities. Chesney said the $56 billion budget passed by Democrats includes more than $800 million in new tax increases and was pushed through with little time for review.
“After thousands of pages and only a few hours to review it, the result was exactly what we have come to expect: more spending, more taxes, and zero real relief for working families,” Chesney said. He criticized high property taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, and energy costs in Illinois.
Chesney also addressed his opposition to a proposed tax arrangement for the Chicago Bears football team. “I kept that pledge and voted no when the Bears bill came before the Senate. Although the bill was not called in the House, this backroom Bears scam is nothing but raw crony capitalism on steroids,” he said. He added that while he supports keeping the team in Illinois, he opposes what he described as corporate welfare at taxpayers’ expense.
The senator further stated his opposition to recent legislation allowing out-of-state undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at all Illinois public universities. “At a time when college tuition is already too expensive for many Illinois families…the out-of-touch Left wing politicians have decided to expand benefits to people who are not even legal residents of our country,” Chesney said.
Chesney concluded by reiterating his stance: “I stand with the taxpayers of Illinois. Period.” He called for prioritizing relief for residents over expanding benefits or enacting new spending programs.
Chesney, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 45th Senate District, replacing previous state senator Brian Stewart, according to Senator Andrew Chesney’s office.
