Dennis Tipsword

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill in the House that would create stricter hiring processes for police agencies.

Some state lawmakers are saying public safety issues can be attributed to a lack of support for police and bills which they say make their jobs more difficult. Republican state Rep. Dennis Tipsword of Metamora held a news conference with other lawmakers to announce initiatives to address public safety.

Central Illinois lawmakers had mixed reactions to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address. Some said they came to the Illinois House floor expecting more transparency about the budget and were disappointed by Pritzker’s focus on federal government and critique of Republican Party.

Republican state Rep. Dennis Tipsword, who represents parts of rural Bloomington-Normal in the 105th House District, will head to Washington, D.C., for Inauguration Day on Monday.

A Republican from Woodford County is making a second bid for an Illinois House seat. Don Rients of Benson is running in the 105th district.