Rep. Tipsword’s E-Newsletter: Valentines for Seniors, General Assembly, SAFE-T Act, and More

VALENTINES FOR SENIORS CARD DRIVE

My office is co-hosting a Valentines for Seniors Card Drive, with the deadline for submissions on February 2. Please consider bringing Valentine's Day cheer to our local seniors! Cards can be dropped off or mailed to one of our legislative offices listed above. Thank you in advance for your support and for helping to bring kindness and smiles to our communities!

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Next week, the Illinois House will reconvene in Springfield for the start of the 2026 Spring Session calendar. We are scheduled to be on the House Floor Tuesday, January 20, at 2 p.m., with Session also planned for Wednesday and Thursday.

As a reminder of how to file a witness slip on legislation, please watch this video: How to Submit a Witness Slip

FRAUD

Governor Pritzker insists there's not been any alleged fraud in Illinois that should cause the federal government to withhold funds for welfare programs, but the most recent audit through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse shows the state receiving opinions of either severe or specific material weaknesses over the handling of various federal taxpayer-funded programs. Learn more here: Pritzker says receipts shown 'all the time' as audits show weaknesses | Local News | advantagenews.com

SCAMS

Scammers are continually evolving their methods. Here are some tips for the latest scams to be on the lookout for in 2026. Biggest Fraud and Scams to Watch for in 2026

SAFE-T ACT

House Republicans have proposed a number of fixes to the dangerous and flawed SAFE-T Act. Those proposals can be taken up immediately to increase public safety across Illinois. The Governor has already signaled he's open to changes; now the majority party needs to get on board. Gov. JB Pritzker defends SAFE-T Act, Illinois law eliminating cash bail, but leaves door open to possible changes - ABC7 Chicago

AGRICULTURE

A new weed appeared in Illinois during the 2025 harvest. Here's what farmers should know about Asian copperleaf: Asian copperleaf threatens Illinois crops

SNAP BENEFITS

As a reminder, work reporting requirements for SNAP recipients will take effect February 1, 2026. Learn about the changes and take any recommended actions to keep your benefits here: SNAP Requirements | Greater Chicago Food Depository