Group Tool, Inc. has announced plans to build a new 100,000 square foot facility in Lexington, Illinois. Construction is expected to begin soon on Wirtz Way. The expansion aims to meet growing demand and strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector while creating new skilled jobs in the area.
In Metamora, a $4 million federal grant will help fund a new public safety building projected to cost around $11 million. The facility will house the volunteer fire department, police department, and emergency medical services. State Representative Dennis Tipsword Jr., who represents Illinois’ 105th House District after being elected in 2023 as a Republican and replacing Dan Brady, said he was honored to provide formal support for the project.
Mosaic, an organization based in Pontiac, continues its work supporting people with intellectual disabilities by fostering independence and community connections through social, volunteer, and employment opportunities.
A recent WalletHub study found that Illinois residents pay the highest tax rates in the United States—53% above the national average. Representative Tipsword commented: “This is not sustainable. Years of irresponsible state spending have driven up costs for Illinois families, and Democrats show no signs of slowing down. Illinoisans need relief today.”
Tipsword also addressed delays in professional licensing for physician assistants in Illinois: “Licensing delays are causing physicians assistants to look to other states for work. We’ve come a long way in improving our state’s professional licensing system these last few years, but Illinois is still lagging behind other states. If we want to keep skilled professionals in Illinois and stay competitive, it’s clear we need to streamline licensing services.”
Fishing licenses for the 2026 season are now available for purchase across Illinois.
The possibility of a statewide bag tax was criticized by Tipsword: “You can hardly do anything in Illinois without getting hit with a tax or fee. Now, Democrats want to charge you to carry your groceries out of the store. Illinoisans already pay the highest tax rates in the nation.” He added: “How about we focus on policies that make our state more affordable instead of sticking hardworking Illinoisans with another bill?”
Representative Tipsword expressed concern over Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget that would reduce local government funding by $60 million. He stated: “This is unacceptable, and just another example of how Illinois families are suffering under the poor policies and rampant out-of-control spending of the Pritzker era.”
For more information about Rep. Tipsword’s background representing the 105th House District since his election in 2023 as a Republican succeeding Dan Brady, see this summary.
