GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This week on the House Floor I introduced my page for the day, Gage Cobbley. Gage is a senior at El Paso-Gridley High School, and he plans to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah. Thank you for coming to Springfield and visiting your State Capitol, Gage! View the video here: Rep. Tipsword Introduces His Page for the Day on the House Floor
HUNTING
Numerous Illinois state parks, state fish and wildlife areas, and other public lands will be open this Friday and Saturday to youth waterfowl hunting during the 2025 youth waterfowl hunts. Included are the Woodford and Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Areas, among many others. Learn more here: IDNR announces state and federal sites to be open for 2025 youth waterfowl hunting seasons
SCAMS
Please be aware of temporary employment scams this holiday season. Here’s what you should know about this growing trend. Central Illinois BBB warns of holiday employment scams
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congratulations to the 2026 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Administrator of the Year, Karen Jones. Karen is the Principal at St. Mary’s School in Pontiac. This is a tremendous and well-earned honor! Pictured left to right are: Chris Bunting (Livingston CFB), Kevin Daugherty (IAITC), Karen Jones, and Debbie Ruff (Livingston SWCD/AITC). More information here: Facebook
BAD LEGISLATION
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.
ETHICS
Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza entered into a deferred prosecution agreement this week after being accused of bribing disgraced Ex-Speaker Mike Madigan. Despite case after federal case surrounding Mike Madigan, the former Speaker’s playbook is still in use in Springfield.
We must enact strong anti-corruption measures in Illinois government to stop bad behavior in its tracks — and before it becomes a federal crime. Ex-AT&T Illinois head could see bribery charges dismissed under agreement with feds | Capitol News Illinois
GRANTS
Law Enforcement Camera Grants help equip police agencies across Illinois with essential video technology. Applications are open now through December 31 for police agencies in municipalities, counties, park districts, public universities, and all units of local government in Illinois. Learn more here: Illinois Law Enforcement Camera Grant Accepting Applications for Fiscal Year 2026 | MyRadioLink.com