At a noontime ceremony at the University of Illinois at Springfield, State Representative Dennis Tipsword took the Oath of Office as the first Representative to serve the new 105th House District. Rep. Tipsword, said he is ready to get to work on improving public safety and economic prosperity in our communities, and other critical challenges facing lawmakers this spring.
“There were many factors that encouraged me to serve local families in the legislature; chief among them was the disastrous Safe-T-Act passed by Democrats in the previous General Assembly. As a member of law enforcement, I know that this Act makes all of our communities less safe. Its centerpiece, the elimination of cash bail, forces judges to release violent, repeat offenders back onto our streets. It’s dangerous, unconstitutional, and must be repealed,” Rep. Tipsword said. “Many lawmakers have chosen to vilify us as professionals and put criminals ahead of our safety. I will speak loudly against any future pro-criminal legislation from the lens of personal experience”.
“We also need to reverse-course on policies that have driven businesses and families out of our state in recent years. I’m eager to get to work.”
Rep. Tipsword was born and raised in Woodford County, IL where he attended Metamora High School. He is a citizen legislator with nearly a 30 year public service career in law enforcement, serving for 16 years with the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office and the past eight years as its Chief Deputy.
As a former small business owner in the construction and parking lot maintenance industry for 17 years and as a seasonal restaurant owner with his wife Betsy for more than five years, Representative Tipsword understands first-hand the challenges Illinois small business owners face every day. Dennis and Betsy reside in Metamora, IL along with their growing family of three children and four grandchildren.
“I want my children, grandchildren, and ALL children, to have the best opportunities to find good jobs and to raise their own families here in Illinois. That will be my focus in the next two years for all of our families,” Rep. Tipsword said.
Rep. Tipsword represents either all or parts of Livingston, McLean, Putnam, Marshall, Bureau, LaSalle, Tazewell, Peoria and Woodford Counties. He encourages residents of the 105th district to contact him with questions or concerns.