Illinois State Rep. Dennis Tipsword Jr. (R-Pontiac)
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About Illinois State Rep. Dennis Tipsword Jr. (R-Pontiac)
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Judge rules Democrat mid-cycle election changes unconstitutional
Last month, Democrats' elections bill was introduced, passed through the General Assembly, and signed into law in less than two days. This law, which changed election rules mid-cycle, has now been found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge.
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Judge deliberates on legality of Democrats' mid-cycle election changes
A decision on the lawsuit over Democrats’ mid-cycle elections law is expected in the coming days. The case revolves around whether slated candidates can appear on the November ballot.
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Illinois passes record $53B state budget amid partisan disputes
The House adjourned for the summer at about 5:00 Wednesday morning, shortly after the majority party pushed through a $53.1 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025. This budget, the largest in Illinois history, spans over 3,000 pages and is $2.6 billion more than last year’s enacted budget. Over the past four years, state expenditures have grown by more than $13 billion under the Democrat-controlled General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker.
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Illinois House passes largest state budget in history
In the early hours of Wednesday, the majority party in the Illinois House approved a $53.1 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025, marking the largest budget in Illinois history. To finance this increased spending, Democrats included $1 billion in tax increases. State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) voted against the measure.
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Illinois House set to vote on largest budget in state history
The House is anticipated to address the Democrats' budget proposal tonight, likely during overnight hours. This represents the largest partisan spending plan in state history, incorporating pay increases for politicians, tax hikes on Illinois residents, and additional hundreds of millions in spending for non-citizens.
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Illinois legislature addresses budget vote amid Memorial Day observances
As Memorial Day is observed, the first national observance of this day occurred on May 30, 1868. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was proclaimed by John A. Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, to honor Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War. The day now serves to reflect and express gratitude for all military personnel who have sacrificed their lives for freedom.
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Illinois Youth Police Camp promotes teamwork, commitment, and pride among young adults
The Team Illinois Youth Police Camp, scheduled for this summer, is a week-long program aimed at encouraging young adults to improve themselves through the principles of "Teamwork, Commitment and Pride."
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Democrats face potential delay in meeting self-imposed budget deadline
Democrats may miss their self-imposed budget deadline again this year. Republicans have once again been excluded from the process.
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Rep. Dennis Tipsword hosts I-CASH event to reunite residents with unclaimed funds
Rep. Dennis Tipsword is collaborating with the Illinois Treasurer’s Office in June to assist residents in identifying and reclaiming unclaimed cash held by the state. On June 4, Rep. Tipsword will host an I-CASH event at his district office in Pontiac, where staff from the Treasurer’s Office will be available to check unclaimed property records and help file claims.
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Rep. Tipsword advocates for investing in Central Illinois
Representative Dennis Tipsword recently advocated for increased investment in Central Illinois, highlighting the region's untapped potential. "Agreed. Our communities in Central Illinois have so much to offer. We need to enact policies that enhance our natural assets," said Rep. Tipsword.
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Illinois firefighters honored at memorial ceremony and awarded Medals of Honor
Today, a special tribute was paid to the first responders who often risk and occasionally lose their lives for public safety. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Springfield served as a platform to honor Illinois firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Additionally, exceptional bravery was recognized through the awarding of Firefighting Medals of Honor. The sacrifices these individuals have made for our families and communities will forever be remembered.
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Governor faces $800 million budget deficit; Ferrero expands Bloomington plant
The legislative session scheduled for today was canceled by the Speaker, leaving two weeks until the scheduled adjournment. House Republicans have yet to be included in discussions on crafting a budget proposal. This week, the Governor admitted that his previously proposed "balanced" budget will likely face an $800 million deficit. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) confirmed this shortfall, largely due to resistance to multiple tax increases proposed by the Governor to cover increased spending.
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Pritzker's budget hole: Pandemic funds dry up, tax increases proposed
Illinois Democrats, despite prior warnings, utilized one-time federal aid received during the pandemic to validate long-term expenditure on favored projects and the growth of state programs. As anticipated, these pandemic funds have now been exhausted. Consequently, the Governor is advocating for tax hikes and resorting to threats of reductions in state programs as a means to achieve his objectives.
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Suits and Sneakers for Cancer Awareness
Rep. Tipsword and House Republicans laced up their sneakers in Springfield today to raise awareness for the fight against cancer and show our support to all those impacted by this terrible disease. Thank you to the American Cancer Society of Illinois for their continued advocacy for cancer care and research. #SuitsandSneakersIL
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Jewish American Heritage Month Celebrates Important Contributions
Jewish American Heritage Month, observed in May, is a time to recognize and honor the significant contributions of Jewish Americans to society. As stated by the source, "Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes and honors the important contributions of Jewish Americans."Throughout the month, people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate and reflect on the Jewish American experience. The source notes, "This month, individuals from all backgrounds will celebrate the Jewish American experience throughout our history."Jewish American Heritage Month serves as a...
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Stacking the Election Deck, Fallen Officers Memorial, Grants Available, and More
Today in the House, the focus remained on advancing bills from the Senate as the deadline for committee considerations was extended for 30 bills. With a tentative adjournment date set for May 24th, legislative activities continue to shape the political landscape.In a swift move, the Governor signed a controversial election bill into law, drawing criticism for its partisan nature. The bill, passed rapidly without public input, alters the election process midway and introduces non-binding referendum questions to the ballot, a tactic perceived to hinder citizen-driven...
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Honoring Fallen Heroes
In a solemn ceremony held at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial, Representative Dennis Tipsword, alongside law enforcement officers from across the state, paid tribute to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Reflecting on the event, Tipsword expressed, “Today was a bittersweet day. I was proud to stand with my law enforcement brothers and sisters from across the state to remember the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. At the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony this morning we came together to honor...
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Legislative Session “Homestretch” Begins in Springfield
The legislative session in Springfield has entered its final month, with a focus on committee work and bill movement. As stated by a source, "We’re back in Springfield today and kicking off the final month of the spring legislative session." This signals a crucial period for lawmakers as they work towards finalizing key legislation before the session concludes.According to the same source, "This week is expected to be committee-heavy as we begin moving Senate Bills ahead of the Friday committee deadline." Committees will play a vital role in shaping and advancing...
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Illinois State News Update: Tax Ratings, Stadium Proposals, and Cicada Emergence
Moody's has recently upgraded the State of Illinois credit rating, moving it away from "junk bond" territory. However, Illinois debts still maintain a lower credit rating compared to most U.S. states, resulting in higher interest rates for taxpayers. The state's general obligation debt now holds a "positive" outlook but remains at the A3 level, according to Moody's.In other financial news, the Chicago Bears are seeking taxpayer funding to contribute to the construction of a new $4.6 billion stadium on the current site of Soldier Field. The proposal includes a request for...
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Shop Small to Promote Local Small Businesses!
"Happy National Small Business Week to the entrepreneurs who power our economy. Remember to shop local this week and show your support for small businesses in Illinois!" This call to action comes as the nation celebrates the contributions of small businesses to the economy during this special week. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs who play a vital role in driving economic growth and creating jobs.As the week unfolds, consumers are encouraged to prioritize shopping at small, locally-owned businesses in Illinois. By doing so,...