McLean County Times

Congratulations are in order for the Normal Metcalf 7th grade boys basketball team, who recently clinched the IESA state championship. Representative Dennis Tipsword hosted the team at the House Floor, where they were introduced during a session in Springfield.

In other news, Representatives Nicole La Ha and Jennifer Sanalitro joined Rep. Tipsword to host a press conference on efforts to combat human trafficking in Illinois. "House Republicans will continue to back efforts to stop human trafficking and hold criminals accountable," said Tipsword.

The Homeschool Act passed through committee despite opposition from tens of thousands of witness slips. Critics argue that it infringes on parental rights and could lead to more mandates. "We believe that children should be able to learn in the environment that best suits their educational needs," stated Tipsword.

Meanwhile, Democrats have been criticized for policies perceived as welcoming illegal immigrants, which some argue has been costly for Illinois. In response, a package of bills aimed at curbing illegal immigration has been introduced.

In legal matters, the Illinois Attorney General declined to defend Democrats' electoral maps in a Supreme Court case. Instead, Michael Kasper was hired for defense—a move met with criticism due to his past associations.

On professional licensing, bipartisan legislation has modernized IDFPR's system, allowing online applications and renewals for many licenses.

National Ag Day was celebrated this week, recognizing farmers and agricultural workers as essential contributors to Illinois' economy. Rep. Tipsword attended a meeting focused on reviewing progress and setting priorities for agriculture-related goals.

The 'Makers Madness' contest is ongoing, narrowing down entries to the top 16 contenders vying for the title of 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.'

Finally, Illinois reported an unemployment rate of 4.9% in January 2025—higher than the national average of 4%. The state experienced job losses in sectors like Professional and Business Services (17,800 jobs), Manufacturing (5,900 jobs), and Construction (3,400 jobs) throughout 2024. Small gains were seen in private education, health services, and government roles.