Rep. Tipsword’s Weekly E-Newsletter: Professional Licensing, Harvest, Road Construction, and More

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

Updates to Illinois' professional licensing system have helped address workforce shortages in critical areas across the state. I serve on the Health Care Licenses Committee and we have made it a priority to upgrade the professional licensing system and minimize the delay issues in Illinois. I have co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation aimed at reforms and upgrades, including HB 1270 this year and HB 2394 that was passed into law in late 2023.

House Republicans will continue their efforts in this area, as these critical updates are vitally important to the well-being of so many people and professions. Learn more here from the Caucus Blog. The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: House Republican licensing reforms aim to get Illinois working

STATE AUDIT

Illinois' state spending audit for 2023 was just released, setting a national record for tardiness. The people of our state need a transparent, fair, and honest government. The mismanagement by Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats can't continue. Illinois sets U.S. record: over 2 years late with state spending audit

IMMIGRATION

Gov. Pritzker has made Illinois a destination for illegal immigrants. We can't afford to provide billions in benefits to non-citizens. It's time to end Illinois' sanctuary state status and repeal the TRUST Act today.

AGRICULTURE

Farmers and ag haulers can now apply for a FREE Illinois Harvest Permit that allows trucks to exceed legal weight limits by up to 10% during harvest season.

Applications are available through IDOT's website. https://webapps.dot.illinois.gov/ITAP

FALL FOLIAGE

Leaves are already starting to change, and here's when you can expect to see peak leaf color. Fall foliage tracker 2025: Where and when to go leaf peeping

LAWSUIT

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois this week for providing in-state tuition and scholarships to illegal immigrants. U.S. Justice Department files complaint challenging Illinois laws providing in-state tuition and scholarships for undocumented immigrants | South Central Illinois' News, Sports and Weather Station

LAW AND ORDER

Most Americans think crime is a major problem in big cities. So why are Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson saying there's no crime issue in Chicago? Ignoring the problem won't make it go away. The people of Chicago deserve safe neighborhoods.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that U.S. 136 at the Center Street railroad crossing in McLean will close Sept. 8. The closure is necessary for Union Pacific to replace its crossing and is expected to last three days. A detour utilizing interstates 55 and 155 will be posted.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment. Learn more here: U.S. 136 in McLean to close Sept. 8

Also, IDOT has announced that construction is underway on Interstate 80 in La Salle County. The work zone will be from just west of the Illinois 251 interchange (exit 75) to the Illinois 351 interchange (exit 77).

Work will patch and resurface the road, including the Illinois 251 exit and entrance ramps. There will be one lane open in both directions during the project, which will happen overnight between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Friday.

The Illinois 251 and Illinois 351 interchanges will remain open, however there will be intermittent closures on the Illinois 251 ramps when paving occurs. All lanes on I-80 will be open during weekends and holidays. This $5.3 million project is expected to be completed at the end of September. Learn more here: UPDATE: Closures for I-80 ramps in La Salle County for week of Sept. 8

Finally, construction on Business U.S. 24 (Peoria Street/Walnut Street) between Wood and Lynn streets in Washington began earlier this week. The project involves installing ADA-compliant sidewalks and resurfacing the road. The work will require lane shifts and altered traffic patterns in the work zone through the end of the year. Learn more here: Business U.S. 24 work begins Sept. 2

FALL OFFICE HOURS

Starting earlier this week, 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)