Rep. Tipsword’s E-Newsletter: Tax Season, Energy Policies, School Choice, and More

VALENTINES FOR SENIORS

My office is co-hosting a Valentines for Seniors Card Drive, with the deadline for submissions on Monday, 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!

SENIOR HALL OF FAME

The Illinois Department on Aging is seeking nominations for its 2026 induction class of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older. Learn more at the links below.

Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame Main Website

Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame Article

TAX FILING SEASON

Tax filing season is upon us. Here's what you should know about filing your Illinois return. Key reminders for Illinois tax filings

WINTER WEATHER RESPONSE

Thank you to the Illinois State Police, tow truck operators, plow drivers, and all first responders who are working through the winter storms to keep us safe on our state's roadways. Remember to pack an emergency kit in your car if you must be out on the roads in the inclement weather. Take it slow and stay safe.

UPDATE: Illinois State Police respond to 250+ accidents in Central IL | WCIA.com

ENERGY POLICIES

The brutal cold and winter storms we've seen across Illinois serve as an important reminder that energy reliability is crucial for our state. Democrats' "green" energy policies put us at risk of energy shortages while raising costs even higher for Illinois families who are just trying to keep their lights on and their homes warm. Illinoisans need affordable energy they can count on. House Republicans support a comprehensive approach to energy that includes reliable natural gas, coal, and nuclear.

PRIMARY ELECTION

The Illinois Primary Election is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Make sure you plan ahead to take advantage of the voting option that works best for you.

Important dates to know:

️ Vote by Mail for the Primary Election begins in Illinois on February 5, 2026

✉️ Mail-in registration due February 17, 2026

Online Voter Registration closes on March 1, 2026

Mail-in ballot requests due March 12, 2026

️ In-person absentee voting through March 16, 2026

Check your registration: https://ova.elections.il.gov/registrationlookup.aspx

SCHOOL CHOICE

Illinois students and schools, both public and private, can benefit from the new federal tax credit scholarship program but first, the Governor has to opt in. This is just the latest example of Governor Pritzker fighting the federal government to the detriment of Illinois.

Learn more here: Donation tax credits can boost Illinois public school foundations

SAFE-T ACT

Since debate on the bill began in 2021, Illinois House Republicans have consistently sounded the alarm about the dangers the SAFE-T Act poses to Illinois residents. Since its implementation, the law has allowed dangerous repeat offenders to remain on the streets, where many continue to commit crimes with little accountability.

House Republicans have introduced nearly 40 bills aimed at fixing this deeply flawed law, strengthening public safety, and restoring confidence in our justice system. Learn more here: House Republicans Offer Solutions to Fix the SAFE-T Act - House Republicans

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships for Illinois high school seniors committed to conserving the state's natural resources. Illinois Conservation Foundation Accepting Applications for 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships | 95.3 X95 -#1 Hit Music Station

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association recently launched the first-ever Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge, which encourages high school seniors to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector. Held in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, high school seniors have the opportunity to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector, with teams competing for scholarships of up to $60,000.

Learn more here: IRMA Launches First-Ever Statewide Retail Scholarship Challenge - Illinois Retail Merchants Association