DECATUR, IL… In case you missed it, State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) penned an op-ed in yesterday morning’s Chicago Tribune calling out the unsustainable growth of Illinois government and the lack of transparency in the state’s budget process.
With the General Assembly preparing to pass a multi-billion-dollar budget behind closed doors, Deering issued a sharp warning: Illinois families are being asked to pay more, while getting less in return. Drawing from her experience as a small business owner and nonprofit leader, Deering calls out the contrast between real-world budgeting and Springfield’s broken system.
“In the real world, when money runs out, you prioritize. You stretch. You reform. But not in Springfield.”
Deering also criticized the unchecked expansion of programs like Medicaid without oversight or accountability.
“Medicaid was designed to be a safety net for the most vulnerable, not a permanent crutch for a system that refuses to reform,” noted Deering. “We need to stop pretending that unlimited spending is a sign of compassion. It’s not. It’s a sign of failed leadership.”
Deering concluded by offering her vision for real reform and a return to results-driven governance.
“We need a budget that is truly balanced, offers property tax relief, and includes no tax hikes. We need to reform the major drivers of government spending, restore honest budgeting and transparency, audit every program for its impact and efficiency, and refocus taxpayer dollars on results, not rhetoric.”
With questions, please contact Rep. Deering at (217) 876-1968 or at RepDeering.com. Read the full op-ed here: Chicago Tribune – Opinion: Illinois Doesn’t Need a Bigger Government — It Needs a Better One
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