McLean County Times

Illinois State Representative Dennis Tipsword Jr. recently released his 2025 End of Session newsletter to constituents in the 105th District. The newsletter covers several topics, including Route 66, the Feeding Illinois Good for Grain Program, homeschooling freedoms, concerns about the SAFE-T Act, and budget issues that arose during the May session in Springfield.

Tipsword highlighted new legislation allowing retired health care workers to volunteer without paying licensing fees. He stated, "Retired health care workers will now be able to work as volunteers without paying a licensing fee in Illinois thanks to legislation passed by my colleague, State Representative Bill Hauter. I am honored to be a co-sponsor of this legislation." More information on this change is available at WGLT's report on Illinois waiving licensing fees for retired health care workers who volunteer: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-06-13/illinois-waives-licensing-fees-for-retired-health-care-workers-who-volunteer.

In district news, Tipsword spoke at a Henry Rotary meeting at Grandma’s Bar and Grill where he discussed the state budget, mass transit issues in Chicago, local programs in District 105, and funding prospects. He thanked program Chairman Charles Owens and the Henry Rotary for their invitation and acknowledged coverage from the Henry News-Republican.

On immigration policy, Tipsword criticized recent measures by Governor J.B. Pritzker and state Democrats that provide benefits such as free health care, driver’s licenses, and student aid to undocumented immigrants. "Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats continue to roll out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants, from free health benefits, to driver’s licenses, and now student aid. Why would we prioritize the needs of non-citizens over legal Illinois residents? My colleague, State Representative Regan Deering, has filed legislation to end this preferential treatment for non-citizens. We must put the interests of Illinois citizens first." Details about financial aid access for undocumented students can be found at WTVO News: https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/gov-pritzker-signs-illinois-law-granting-financial-aid-access-to-undocumented-students/.

Tipsword also addressed tax increases enacted despite record state revenues: "Even though the state just took in its largest revenue haul ever, Democrats still raised taxes by nearly $1 billion to fund their tax-and-spend agenda and they continue to look for ways to take more money from hardworking Illinoisans." Additional commentary is available via The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2024/06/watch-your-wallet-democrats-have-more.html.

Regarding emergency management policies, Tipsword noted concerns raised by lawmakers about proposed rules affecting local agencies: "My colleagues questioned IEMA in committee last week on newly proposed rules that will create burdensome administrative requirements for local emergency management agencies." More information can be found at The Center Square: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_4a0b31e6-2d8a-11ef-b60f-e3b51cfca65d.html.

The newsletter also referenced Scott’s Law after an incident involving an Illinois State Police trooper injured by an alleged drunk driver on I-88 near Oak Brook. Tipsword urged drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with activated lights.

For those seeking employment opportunities or extra income during winter months, Tipsword mentioned that applications are open for seasonal positions with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Snowbird program focused on snow-and-ice removal statewide.

He concluded with a focus on senior citizens’ welfare: "House Republicans are doing the work to protect Illinois seniors. This year we sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to ensure senior citizens across the state are able to thrive here at home."

Tipsword was elected as a Republican representative for District 105 in 2023 after succeeding Dan Brady (https://ballotpedia.org/Dennis_Tipsword_Jr.).