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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Thank You, School Resource Officers!
Today, we take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for the School Resource Officers (SROs) who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the safety and well-being of our students and communities. On this special occasion of SRO Appreciation Day, we honor these law enforcement officers for their invaluable service.The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) recognizes the crucial role that SROs play in creating a safe and secure environment within our educational institutions. Their presence not only ensures the protection of students and staff but...
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Happy Birthday, Abe!
Today, February 12th, marks a significant day in American history as we celebrate the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. Born in 1809, President Lincoln's legacy continues to resonate throughout the nation, particularly in his home state of Illinois. His tireless efforts to end slavery in the United States have left an indelible mark on our society.President Lincoln's impact on Illinois cannot be overstated. His time spent in the state shaped his political career and his understanding of the issues facing the nation. It was in Illinois that Lincoln honed his skills as...
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House Republicans Lay Out Budget Priorities, School Safety Officers Discussed, and More
House Republicans have announced their priorities for the new state budget in Illinois. These priorities include no new taxes, tackling pension debt, improving state agency efficiency, funding education, and prioritizing services for Illinois citizens. With the current expenditure on caring for migrants, finding funding for other programs and services will be a challenge.In other news, a controversial immigrant healthcare program in Illinois is running hundreds of millions of dollars over budget. The "Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults" (HBIA) and "Health Benefits for...
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Tipsword Discusses Business in Livingston County
Livingston County, Illinois - In a show of support for local businesses, Representative Tipsword attended the Annual Dinner of the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council forecast dinner. The event, held this week, highlighted the achievements of the local workforce and provided an opportunity for Tipsword to engage with entrepreneurs and discuss ways to enhance the jobs climate in Illinois.During the dinner, Tipsword expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "I am pleased to be a part of this gathering that highlights the important role played by...
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Tipsword Sponsors "School Safety Officer" Legislation
Rep. Tipsword is sponsoring legislation that aims to enhance school safety by allowing schools to hire school safety officers. The proposed legislation seeks to protect students and staff from harm and foster a positive relationship between students and law enforcement. Rep. Tipsword recently discussed the details of the legislation in an interview with Newschannel 20 in Springfield.During the interview, Rep. Tipsword emphasized the importance of having dedicated individuals who can focus on ensuring the safety and security of students within the school premises. He...
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Proposed Criminal Justice Reform Raises Concerns about Public Safety
A new piece of legislation introduced in the House by a Representative from Chicago has raised concerns about public safety. Critics argue that if this bill passes and becomes law, it could have dangerous consequences for law enforcement and the general public.One critic highlighted a scenario where a vehicle is exhibiting multiple violations, including driving without headlights, license plates, and a muffler, while also speeding and driving under the influence. Under the proposed legislation, law enforcement officers would not be able to stop and investigate such a...
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New Criminal Justice Bill Further Endangers our Communities
Rep. Dennis Tipsword, Chief Deputy in the Woodford County Sheriff’s Department, has expressed concerns about a new Democrat-sponsored criminal justice "reform" measure, stating that it could pose serious dangers to our communities. Speaking about the potential consequences of the bill, Tipsword presented a real-life scenario: a vehicle with numerous violations, such as no headlights, no license plates, no muffler, speeding 25mph above the limit, and being driven by someone three times the legal limit for DUI. If the bill becomes law, Tipsword argues that he, as a Deputy...
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Chicago to Halt Construction of Migrant Shelter Space
Chicago has announced its decision to cease the construction of migrant shelter spaces as part of its efforts to combat homelessness in the city. The initial plan, under Mayor Brandon Johnson, was to build housing spaces for all, including migrants. However, due to the influx of thousands of migrants in the latter half of 2023, the city had resorted to the idea of erecting "industrial tents." Now, a spokesperson for the city has confirmed that the tents will no longer be built. The city's focus will instead shift towards collaborating with the private sector and seeking...
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No Choice for Illinois Families this National School Choice Week
It's National School Choice Week, and while 18 states are celebrating new or expanded private school choice programs for their families, Illinois is taking a different path. Democrats in Illinois have decided to end the Invest in Kids scholarship program, which provided opportunities for nearly 10,000 low-income students to attend schools that catered to their individual learning needs.The Invest in Kids scholarship program was designed to address the educational disparities faced by low-income families in Illinois. By offering scholarships, it allowed these families to...
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New Bi-Partisan Manufacturing Caucus Created
A new bipartisan, bicameral Illinois Manufacturing Caucus has been formed with the aim of advancing issues important to the manufacturing industry, which is a key pillar of the state's economy. The announcement was made by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) in collaboration with Rep. Tipsword from the 103rd General Assembly.Rep. Tipsword expressed his enthusiasm for the new caucus, stating, "Partnering with the Illinois Manufacturers' Association on legislation to keep manufacturers in Illinois and remove barriers to those seeking to enter the manufacturing...
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Drop Off New Stuffed Toys at Rep. Tipsword’s Office to Show Some Valentines Love for Hospitalized Children
Representative Tipsword is encouraging the community to come together and show some love this Valentine's Day. His office, located at 305 W. Madison Street in Pontiac, is now accepting new stuffed animals with tags as part of the Cuddles with Kindness initiative. The toys will be donated to young patients at the Children's Hospital to bring them joy during their hospital stay.In a statement, Rep. Tipsword expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, saying, "Together, we can put smiles on the faces of those who need it most. Let's share the love and make this Valentine's...
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Spring Session Starts, Gun Registration Update, Cuddles With Kindness, and More
Today marks the beginning of the 2024 spring session for the Illinois House of Representatives. The primary focus of the House this week will be to review newly introduced bills and assign them to House committees. House members have been working diligently to draft and introduce their bills before the February 9 deadline. One notable bill that has been introduced is a gun ban repeal bill, which aims to overturn the Democrats' gun ban included in the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) passed last January."The House bill introduction deadline is Friday, February 9....
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Winter Driving-Know Before You Go!
Winter weather conditions and frigid temperatures are expected to hit the state, prompting the need for drivers to stay informed and prepared for challenging road conditions. The Illinois Department of Transportation is urging motorists to stay in the know before hitting the road by visiting gettingaroundillinois.com, where they can access real-time updates on winter road conditions across the state.The website provides valuable information on the current state of Illinois roads, including details on snow and ice coverage, road closures, and any other hazards that may...
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Gun Registry Compliance Still in the Single Digits
According to recent reports, the deadline for Illinois gun owners to register their now-banned firearms has passed, but compliance with this requirement remains dismally low. Despite the January 1 deadline, the number of individuals who have completed the registration process is still in the single digits.This lack of compliance has raised concerns among law enforcement officials and advocates for stricter gun control measures. It highlights the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring that gun owners adhere to new regulations aimed at reducing the prevalence of...
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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: Thank You to Those Who Keep Us Safe!
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is a special occasion to show gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. On this day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who wears the badge or works in a law enforcement agency.The origins of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day can be traced back to a desire to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by law enforcement officers. It serves as a reminder of the vital role they play in maintaining law and order in our society.In honor of this important day,...
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Deadline Approaching to Apply for Agriculture Association Foundation Scholarships
The Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Foundation is offering scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year, and the deadline to apply is quickly approaching. Online applications must be submitted by February 15. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture to receive financial support for their education.According to the IAA Foundation, the scholarships are open to students who are residents of Illinois and are planning to enroll in an agriculture-related program at an accredited college or university. The foundation aims...
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New Laws, Real ID, Pheasant Hunting, and More
More than 300 new state laws went into effect in Illinois this week, covering a wide range of issues including gun registration, minimum wage, and fentanyl overdose protection. One of the key laws that took effect on January 1 is the gun ban and registration law, which requires gun owners to register their firearms and ammunition. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the deadline remained in place for gun owners to comply with the law. The Illinois State Police has provided registration information for gun owners to follow.In addition to the gun registration law, the minimum...
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Wishing You Health, Happiness, and Prosperity in 2024: Happy New Year!
As the clock struck midnight and the calendar flipped to January 1, 2024, people around the world welcomed the arrival of the new year with open arms. New Year's Day is traditionally a time for reflection, resolutions, and optimism for what lies ahead. It is a time to bid farewell to the past and embrace the possibilities of the future.In the spirit of this occasion, we extend our warmest wishes to all our readers for a year filled with health, happiness, and prosperity. May 2024 be a year of new beginnings, personal growth, and countless blessings.As we embark on this...
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Celebrate Responsibly: A Reminder for New Year's Eve
As the clock ticks closer to midnight, people around the world are eagerly preparing to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms. New Year's Eve is a time of celebration, reflection, and hope for the future. It is a time when friends and families come together to create lasting memories. However, amidst the excitement and festivities, it is important to remember the importance of celebrating responsibly.Law enforcement agencies and organizations are urging people to exercise caution and make responsible choices during their New Year's Eve...
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Today is Pledge of Allegiance Day
Today, on Pledge of Allegiance Day, we commemorate the adoption of the pledge by Congress in 1945. First published in 1892, the pledge serves as a reminder of our nation's core values of freedom and liberty.The Pledge of Allegiance has become an integral part of American culture, recited daily in schools and at public events. It serves as a symbol of unity and loyalty to our country. The words of the pledge have been ingrained in the hearts and minds of generations of Americans."I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for...