McLean County Times

This week, Illinois State Representative Dennis Tipsword Jr. introduced Gage Cobbley, a senior at El Paso-Gridley High School, as his page for the day on the House Floor. Cobbley plans to attend Brigham Young University in Utah. Tipsword thanked Cobbley for visiting the State Capitol in Springfield.

Tipsword also highlighted the upcoming youth waterfowl hunting season in Illinois. State parks, fish and wildlife areas, including Woodford and Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Areas, will be open for youth hunting on Friday and Saturday. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has released more details about the locations open for the 2025 youth waterfowl hunts.

In his newsletter, Tipsword warned residents about temporary employment scams during the holiday season. He shared information from the Central Illinois Better Business Bureau regarding the rise in holiday employment scams.

Tipsword congratulated Karen Jones, Principal at St. Mary’s School in Pontiac, for being named the 2026 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Administrator of the Year. He described the honor as "tremendous and well-earned."

Addressing legislative matters, Tipsword criticized House Democrats for focusing on federal government issues. He said, "Democrats wasted time on the House Floor this week giving political speeches about the federal government. Don’t be fooled by this attempted distraction. Democrat leaders are working behind closed doors to quietly pass their Green New Giveaway energy package that will hike taxes on all Illinoisans."

On ethics, Tipsword commented on the deferred prosecution agreement reached by former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza after accusations of bribing former Speaker Mike Madigan. He stated, "Despite case after federal case surrounding Mike Madigan, the former Speaker’s playbook is still in use in Springfield." He added, "We must enact strong anti-corruption measures in Illinois government to stop bad behavior in its tracks — and before it becomes a federal crime."

Tipsword also promoted Law Enforcement Camera Grants, which provide police agencies across Illinois with video technology. Applications are open through December 31 for various law enforcement entities.

Tipsword is a Republican who was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 to represent the 105th House District, succeeding Dan Brady.