McLean County Times

Illinois State Representative Dennis Tipsword Jr. (R-Pontiac) provided updates on several state issues in his latest weekly newsletter, including professional licensing reforms, the state spending audit, immigration policy, agriculture permits, road construction projects, and office hours for constituents.

Tipsword highlighted ongoing efforts to improve Illinois’ professional licensing system to address workforce shortages. He noted his role on the Health Care Licenses Committee and support for legislative reforms such as HB 1270 and HB 2394. “I serve on the Health Care Licenses Committee and we have made it a priority to upgrade the professional licensing system and minimize the delay issues in Illinois. I have co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation aimed at reforms and upgrades, including HB 1270 this year and HB 2394 that was passed into law in late 2023,” Tipsword stated. He added that House Republicans would continue working on these issues: “House Republicans will continue their efforts in this area, as these critical updates are vitally important to the well-being of so many people and professions.”

Regarding state finances, Tipsword criticized delays in releasing Illinois’ 2023 state spending audit. “Illinois’ state spending audit for 2023 was just released, setting a national record for tardiness. The people of our state need a transparent, fair, and honest government. The mismanagement by Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats can’t continue,” he said.

On immigration policy, Tipsword voiced opposition to current policies: “Gov. Pritzker has made Illinois a destination for illegal immigrants. We can’t afford to provide billions in benefits to non-citizens. It’s time to end Illinois’ sanctuary state status and repeal the TRUST Act today.” He also referenced a recent lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Illinois regarding tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants: “The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois this week for providing in-state tuition and scholarships to illegal immigrants.”

For those involved in agriculture, Tipsword announced that farmers and agricultural haulers can now apply online through IDOT’s website for free Harvest Permits allowing trucks to exceed legal weight limits during harvest season (https://webapps.dot.illinois.gov/ITAP).

He also provided information about upcoming fall foliage with a link to a tracker showing peak leaf color times.

In discussing public safety concerns, Tipsword questioned statements from Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Johnson about crime rates: “Most Americans think crime is a major problem in big cities. So why are Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson saying there’s no crime issue in Chicago? Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. The people of Chicago deserve safe neighborhoods.”

Several road construction projects were detailed:

- U.S. 136 at Center Street railroad crossing in McLean will close September 8 for three days due to Union Pacific replacing its crossing; detours using interstates 55 and 155 will be posted.

- Interstate 80 work is underway between exits 75 (Illinois 251) and exit 77 (Illinois 351) in La Salle County; one lane will remain open each direction overnight Sunday through Friday with intermittent ramp closures (UPDATE: Closures for I-80 ramps in La Salle County for week of Sept. 8).

- Business U.S. 24 (Peoria Street/Walnut Street) between Wood and Lynn streets in Washington began ADA-compliant sidewalk installation earlier this week with altered traffic patterns expected through year-end (Business U.S. 24 work begins Sept. 2).

Finally, Tipsword announced new fall office hours at district offices located in El Paso (Tuesdays), Metamora (Wednesdays), and Pontiac (Thursdays), all from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Tipsword was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 105th House District in 2023 after succeeding Dan Brady.