END OF SESSION NEWSLETTER
My 2025 End of Session newsletter was mailed out recently to constituents in District 105. Topics I hit on this year included Route 66, the Feeding Illinois Good for Grain Program, Preserving Homeschool Freedom, SAFE-T Act concerns, and the Budget and End of Session Debacle we experienced in May in Springfield. You can read the newsletter here: Tipsword-EOS-2025.pdf
HEALTH CARE
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. Learn more here: Illinois waives licensing fees for retired health care workers who volunteer | WGLT
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I enjoyed speaking at the Henry Rotary meeting earlier this week at Grandma’s Bar and Grill. Several topics were discussed, including the state budget and the pending issues with mass transit in Chicago. We also talked about local programs in District 105 and the outlook for funding. Thank you to program Chairman Charles Owens and the Henry Rotary for inviting me! And thanks to the Henry News-Republican for the coverage: State Representative Dennis Tipsword Speaks At Henry Rotary Meeting – Henry News Republican
IMMIGRATION
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. Gov. Pritzker signs Illinois law granting financial aid access to undocumented students | MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports
TAXES
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. The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Watch Your Wallet, Democrats Have More Tax Hikes in Mind
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
My colleagues questioned IEMA in committee last week on newly proposed rules that will create burdensome administrative requirements for local emergency management agencies. WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies | Illinois | thecentersquare.com
SCOTT’S LAW
An Illinois State Police trooper was hurt after their squad car was hit by an alleged drunk driver on the Ronald Regan Memorial Tollway early Sunday morning. Please slow down and move over when you see emergency vehicles with their lights activated on the roadways. Let’s follow the law and work to keep our first responders safe. Illinois State Police trooper hurt in crash involving alleged drunk driver on I-88 in Oak Brook – CBS Chicago
JOBS
If you are looking for extra income or even a leg up on a full-time job opportunity, the Illinois Department of Transportation is taking applications for seasonal positions to help with snow-and-ice removal and other maintenance duties throughout the state as part of the annual Snowbird program. Learn more here: Help wanted: Snowplow drivers for the IDOT team
PROTECTING SENIORS
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. The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: House Republicans Fighting for Seniors