McLean County Times

Rep. Dennis Tipsword Jr., who represents Illinois’ 105th House District, addressed several policy topics in his latest weekly newsletter, including education, gerrymandering, the state budget, energy costs, cash bail, legislative transparency, agriculture, and mental health.

On education, Tipsword highlighted the federal Educational Choice for Children Act and advocated for Illinois to participate in the program. He argued that Democrats should allow students to access school choice scholarships.

Discussing redistricting, Tipsword criticized Governor JB Pritzker’s recent comments on late-night television regarding Illinois’ congressional maps. The governor joked about the shapes of certain districts and referenced an “independent commission.” Tipsword accused Pritzker of hypocrisy on fair maps and noted that efforts to establish an independent redistricting commission have been blocked by the Democratic supermajority. He stated: "Citizens should be picking their politicians, not Democratic politicians picking their voters." He also pointed out that House Republicans have supported independent redistricting through HJRCA 5 and have challenged legislative maps in court.

Regarding the state budget, Tipsword cited a July 2025 report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), which showed declines in personal and corporate income tax receipts compared to the previous year. Although there were increases in revenue from sales taxes and other sources, these did not offset losses from income taxes. Overall general funds available to the Comptroller declined by $35 million after accounting for tax refunds and aid payments.

On energy policy, Tipsword linked rising electric bills for homeowners and businesses in Central Illinois to liberal energy policies that he says have reduced generation capacity.

Addressing criminal justice reform, he referenced former President Trump’s call to end Illinois’ no cash bail policies established under the SAFE-T Act.

Tipsword also raised concerns about legislative transparency. He said: "Democrats continually abuse their supermajority status to try to pass controversial legislation under the radar. This is clearly wrong and only further erodes public trust in state government. The people of Illinois deserve an honest, transparent legislature that they know is working in their best interests."

In agriculture policy, he called for changes to estate tax laws and support for young farmers as a way to protect family farms in Illinois.

Finally, on mental health legislation affecting schools, Tipsword noted concerns raised by parents and experts about a new law requiring annual mental health screenings for students.

Tipsword was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 105th House District in 2023 after Dan Brady left office (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3222).