Rep. Tipsword’s Weekly E-Newsletter: SAFE-T Act, Education, Taxes, and More

SAFE-T ACT

This week marked the 2-year anniversary of the implementation of the Pre-Trial Fairness portion of the SAFE-T Act. This law has been a disaster for public safety in Illinois. I joined three of my House Republican colleagues at a virtual press conference to discuss the challenges this law has brought forward. Our efforts at reform have been denied by supermajority Democrats at every turn, and it's clear the SAFE-T Act and its provisions must be repealed. More coverage links below:

Rep. Tipsword: The SAFE-T Act Has Been a Disaster for Public Safety in Illinois - Dennis Tipsword

The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: The Verdict Is In: SAFE-T Act Is Not Working Two Years Later

EDUCATION

Lowering standards for Illinois students to make the Pritzker administration look better is a huge disservice to children and families across the state. We should be helping students reach and exceed expectations, not lowering the bar. Illinois House Republicans Say Lowering The Proficiency Benchmarks Is Not The Right Move For Education - 1340 WJOL

TAXES

Do you have outstanding tax liabilities? Don't pay more than you have to. Starting October 1, penalties and interest can be forgiven if paid in full during Illinois' tax amnesty period. Learn more: 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty

FIREARMS

Oral arguments are scheduled for September 22 in the case challenging Democrats' firearms ban. Illinois gun ban appeals hearing next week | Local News | advantagenews.com

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Federal grants aimed at bolstering Electric Vehicle charging stations along interstate corridors in Illinois have been secured, including 12 stations at the Wally's location off I-55 in Pontiac. Learn more at the links below:

The State of Illinois Newsroom

14 new EV charging stations coming to McLean County near Interstates 55 and 74 | WGLT

DCEO has announced that OPmobility will establish its first Illinois facility in Normal to assemble bumpers for Rivian's R2, which will be available for consumers in 2026. The company intends to create 81 new full-time jobs. Find more information at the links below.

First company announced to move-in to Rivian supplier park in Normal

The State of Illinois Newsroom

FACT-CHECKING

Gov. Pritzker's own words came back to haunt him after he tried to claim he never likened Republicans to Nazis.

Pritzker fact-checked after denying he called Republicans 'Nazis' | Fox News

The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Governor Pritzker Can't Outrun the Tape

FALL OFFICE HOURS

Starting this month, we have resumed our Fall schedule for our three District Offices. Office hours are now 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Tuesday - El Paso (125 W. Front St. - 309-370-6235)

Wednesday - Metamora (101 E. Partridge St. - 309-370-6235)

Thursday - Pontiac (305 W. Madison St. - 815-844-9344)