Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your newly elected State Representative, I want to provide you with updates about what is going on in Springfield and around the 88th.
In this issue, I discuss the end of Session, the budget, recap the month of May and detail some information for June.
2A Press Conference
On May 14th, I joined my colleagues, State Representatives Charlie Meier and Patrick Windhorst, to show support for law-abiding gun owners and to speak on the importance of preserving the Constitutional Right to Bear Arms.
“To the advocates, House Republicans see you, support you, and will tirelessly defend you and your constitutional rights,” said Rep. Deering. “By continuing to come after constitutional rights, we are trekking down a treacherous path. The Democrats know this and yet continue to introduce legislation that deteriorates the remaining trust in our government and infringes on our right. That is wrong. These anti-second amendment policies were introduced under the guise of safety, but make no mistake, they are really about controlling more and more of our lives. House Republicans will not stop defending your 2nd Amendment rights.”
To watch my full remarks, click here.
IGOLD
I had the opportunity to speak at the IGOLD Rally at the Capitol alongside some of my colleagues and the many advocates that traveled to Springfield in support of the 2nd Amendment.
As a wife and mother who will defend my family and home, if needed, I support our right to bear arms, because I know that’s not politics, that’s peace of mind.
Full remarks are linked here.
BUDGET
In a partisan vote, the FY 26 Budget passed the House in the late hours of May 31st. I voted NO on Democrats-only budget, as it spends $55.2 billion, paid for by $1 billion in new taxes.
The FY26 budget is filled with more taxes, higher costs, and fewer opportunities for hard-working Illinoisans. This near-record spending budget continues the downward tax-and-spend spiral that has caused disastrous financial results for the state and its overburdened taxpayers.
We don’t need a bigger government; we need a better one. We don’t need more spending; we need real reform. We don’t need more promises; we need to see results. Instead of focusing on how to improve Illinois, Democrats have increased spending, hiked taxes by $1 billion, and provided zero reform—no property tax reform, no structural reform, and certainly no ethics reform.
In the real world, when money runs out, you prioritize, stretch, and reform your spending habits, but not in Springfield. In the six years Governor Pritzker has been in office, the Illinois budget has grown by 38%, putting Illinois families on the hook for $15 billion in additional state spending. This isn’t compassion, it’s failure. The state of Illinois needs to take a good, hard look at our priorities, and ensure that we are focusing on our constituents, not on pork projects and pay hikes for politicians.
We need a truly balanced budget, not one that banks on hopeful revenue streams.
We Don’t Need a Bigger Government; We Need a Better One (VIDEO)
Illinois doesn’t need a bigger government. It needs a better one.
In the last six years, we have seen billions in new spending. higher taxes, and fewer opportunities. This is what Governor Pritzker calls “progress”?
I’ve seen what real help looks like—dignity, hard work, and a hand up.
Let’s stop pretending big government is compassion. It’s not. It’s control.
Watch my full floor speech here.
ICYMI: Deering’s Co-Ed in Chicago Tribune
A few days before adjournment, I shared my thoughts in the Chicago Tribune calling out the unsustainable growth of Illinois government:
“There’s nothing compassionate about taking more from families who already have to get by with less, especially as persistent inflation drives up the price of everything.
Compassion isn’t measured by how much government spends; it’s measured by whether people are actually better off.”
Read the full piece here.
Summer Reading
I am proud to announce my first annual Summer Reading Program is underway! The theme this year is “Reading is Sweet” and I am inviting all K-5 students that live in or attend school in the 88th House District to Participate.
To join, students must read eight books over their summer break and have a parent or guardian verify that their child read the recorded books. Books with over 150 pages may count as two books. If a student reads a book for another summer reading program, that may also be recorded here.
Submissions are due electronically or by mailing in the paper form found in the brochure by July 15th. To submit online, visit RepDeering.com and click on “Summer Reading”, nested under the Resources tab. Paper submissions can be sent to Rep. Regan Deering at 419 E. Ash Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Once all forms are collected, participating students will receive an invitation to attend an ice cream party to celebrate with Rep. Deering later this summer. Students who participate will also receive an official House of Representatives certificate to commemorate their achievement.
Click here to access the online form.
ITEP Awards
The 88th House District was in receipt of two Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Awards.
The program, which is through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) awarded $1.2 million in Rep. Deering’s district for local projects. Farmer City received $488,700 for Illinois Route 54 (Clinton Ave) for a sidewalk from Main Street to Summer Street, and Bloomington was awarded $799,419 for the Constitution Trail extension project from Lafayette to Hamilton.
I am thrilled to announce that two projects selected for the ITEP awards are in the 88th District. Congratulations to Farmer City and Bloomington for your awards. I look forward to seeing your completed projects.
According to IDOT, approved projects through ITEP include bike and pedestrian paths and trials, street beautification, and other projects to encourage safe travel across different modes of transportation. This grant program is a part of Rebuild Illinois initiative through IDOT.
For a full list of all projects approved, click here.
SNAPSHOTS
Throughout the month of May, I attended events and met with many residents across the state, here are some photos from those events.
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IGOLD
Here are some photos from the IGOLD Rally that took place at the Capitol.
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Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield is a powerful reminder of the bravery, strength, and heroism of firefighters. We paid tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty over the last year, honoring their sacrifice and praying for their loved ones. We also recognized the firefighters who have gone above and beyond in service to their communities at the Firefighting Medal of Honor Ceremony. Thank you to these courageous first responders and their families.
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Constituent Photos
I met with various groups while in Springfield. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.
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Legislative Update
I hosted a legislative update in early May to give constituents a peek into legislation and the budget before it passed. It was a great event and one that allowed me to further connect with constituents.
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Brightpoint
I toured Brightpoint’s facility in Bloomington, and this is a great resource for families. The crisis nursery is especially spectacular.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Thank you for reading my e-newsletter! To keep in touch, follow me on Facebook and sign-up for email updates from my website.
It is an honor to serve you. I want to keep an open line of communication, so please do not hesitate to reach out.
Talk to you soon!
