Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your 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 Governor’s State of the State/Budget Address, the need for Illinois to be opted into the Federal Scholarship Program, the current energy crisis facing our state, and my upcoming Mobile DMV event happening in Heyworth.
DEERING REACTS TO GOVERNOR’S BUDGET ADDRESS, RENEWS CALLS FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT
SPRINGFIELD, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) issued the following reaction after Governor Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address to a joint session of the General Assembly today.
In his speech, Gov. Pritzker laid out his budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2027 which included more taxes, attempts to take more local control, and policies that will chase away job creators without providing relief for Illinois families. The Governor’s proposed budget would cost a whopping $56 billion and will spend nearly $1 billion more than the FY26 budget, which was the largest in state history and raised nearly $1 billion in taxes and fees.
“The Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address featured the same tactics he always uses. We heard deflection, blaming the federal government for his mistakes, and more insults hurled at the President and Republicans,” Deering said. “Instead of owning up to his own failures, the Governor chose to name-call and continue his divisive rhetoric. He won’t be able to balance a budget on insults, but Governor Pritzker will surely try.”
“The federal government is not to blame for the deliberate poor budgeting choices made by our state’s failed leadership,” continued Deering. “The Democratic Supermajority has made intentional moves to continue the tax-and-spend cycle, squeezing hard-working families at every turn. We have sufficient revenue and have had ample opportunities to address federal funding shortfalls, but instead Democrats have prioritized pork projects, illegal immigrants, and pay raises for legislators.”
“Our residents must budget down to the last penny to keep up with the tax burden here in Illinois while their government continues to add billions to the state budget and then raise taxes on those same cash-strapped citizens to pay for it. As I said last year in an op-ed I penned to the Chicago Tribune, Illinois doesn’t need a bigger government—it needs a better one, focused on promoting growth and stability, not making Illinoisans reliant on their government.”
Keep reading here.
DEERING: WE NEED ACTION AND REAL POLICIES THAT ARE GOING TO MAKE A CHANGE (VIDEO)
State Rep. Regan Deering reacts to the Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address ahead of the budget process that will take place this spring session for FY27. Pritzker outlined his priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and proposed a $56 billion budget, spending nearly $1 billion more than FY26.
OP-ED: DEERING URGES GOV. PRITZKER TO OPT IL INTO FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Over the last month, families across the country have engaged in meaningful discussions about school choice. At a time when the federal administration is reshaping education policy—seeking to reduce bureaucracy and return funding decisions to the states, closer to our students—there is vigorous debate about how public schools may be affected.
The Working Families Tax Cut Act reflects a simple truth: families deserve affordable access to the educational environment that best meets their child’s individual needs.
There is a quiet misunderstanding at the heart of the school choice debate.
Too often, families who choose options outside the traditional public school system are dismissed or mislabeled—portrayed as ideological or indifferent to public education. That narrative ignores the reality I hear from parents across Illinois.
Most parents do not begin this journey intending to challenge a system. They begin because something is not working.
For many families, school choice is not about preference—it is about protection.
Continue reading here.
REJECT DEMOCRATS’ BAG TAX
As if working families were not already feeling the squeeze, here is the latest example of policies that drive up costs.
Democrats have proposed a new bag tax that would begin in 2027 and increase by five cents each year through 2030. The tax would apply to paper, plastic, and even reusable bags.
Proposed bag fee schedule:
- 10 cents per carryout bag starting January 1, 2027
- 15 cents in 2028
- 20 cents in 2029
- 25 cents in 2030
Keep reading here.
IMA “MAKERS MADNESS CONTEST” OPENS NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMA) “Makers Madness Contest” open February 16 and run until March 8. This is the organization’s seventh annual contest to determine “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.”
If you know a standout right here in the 88th District, this is the time to nominate it. Learn more about submitting nominations here.
HOW TO FILE A WITNESS SLIP
Witness slips are a vital part of the legislative process. Before a bill is heard in committee, the chairperson announces who has submitted witness slips and whether they support or oppose the bill. This helps inform me and other legislators about where Illinois residents and organizations stand, allowing us to make more informed decisions when voting.
Follow the steps below to file a witness slip:
- Visit www.ilga.gov
- Select Senate Schedules or House Schedules
- Scroll to Hearing Schedules and choose Today, Week, or Month
- Click Details for the specific hearing
- Select Create Witness Slip
- Complete and submit the form
CONVENTION OF STATES RALLY
I joined colleagues and constituents at the Convention of States Rally held in the Capitol Rotunda.
The Convention of States is a movement focused on limiting the power, jurisdiction, and spending of the federal government, as well as imposing term limits on federal officials.
If 34 state legislatures pass identical resolutions, Congress is required under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention for proposing amendments. Twenty states have already adopted matching resolutions, and additional states are actively considering legislation in 2026.
The Illinois resolution, currently filed as HJR 15 in the House and SJR 27 in the Senate, would formally join other states in applying for a convention limited to amendments in three defined areas: fiscal restraint, limits on federal jurisdiction, and term limits.
Illinois COSA leaders are also advancing a companion “34-Read Framework” resolution outlining how commissioners representing the Illinois General Assembly at any Article V convention would be selected and directed. Regardless of whether Illinois is one of the 34 states that triggers the convention, this framework ensures the General Assembly is prepared to represent Illinois’ interests.
Under Article V, any proposed amendment must be ratified by 38 states—the highest threshold in the Constitution—serving as a built-in safeguard to ensure broad national consensus.
FAILURES OF PRITZKER’S ENERGY POLICIES CONTINUE
At a time of unprecedented electricity demand from residential customers, businesses, and new data centers, Illinois—under policies advanced by Gov. Pritzker—continues the process of shutting down most of its remaining coal-fired power plants. Natural gas plants may be next.
Natural gas currently generates more than 16% of Illinois’ electricity, with that percentage increasing during peak demand periods.
Meanwhile, current energy policies rely heavily on solar and wind generation, which produce intermittent power and require large-scale battery storage to provide electricity when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. Developers of these battery facilities say they cannot move forward without subsidies from Illinois ratepayers. A recently enacted Illinois law providing such subsidies could cost customers an estimated $8 billion.
Illinois’ eleven nuclear reactors, located at six sites across Central and Northern Illinois, generate more than 50% of the state’s electricity. However, new nuclear plant construction effectively ceased in the 1980s. After the Clinton Plant’s reactor began operating in 1987, the industry focused on maintaining and safely operating existing facilities.
The General Assembly has taken steps to change that. Laws passed in 2023 and 2025 lifted the state’s moratorium on new nuclear construction and encouraged development of small modular reactors (SMRs). Developers argue that SMRs, due to their size and design, significantly reduce meltdown risks compared to older reactor models.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency–OHS is currently developing rules to ensure the safe operation of small modular reactors as part of Illinois’ future energy strategy.
REMINDER: MOBILE DMV COMING UP IN HEYWORTH
Need to renew your vehicle registration, driver’s license, or apply for a REAL ID? Join us for our Mobile DMV event in Heyworth on Thursday, March 5.
Space is limited, and registration is required. Click below to register online or call (217) 876-1968.
THE REGAN ROUTE, ACCEPTING REFERRALS
As your State Representative, I am committed to strengthening communication with the businesses, organizations, farms, nonprofits, residents, resource centers, and community groups that make up the 88th District.
Through “The Regan Route” initiative, I am visiting local organizations to better understand both the successes and the challenges residents face in their daily lives. My goal is to gain valuable insight to better serve our district in Springfield.
If you know a local business, nonprofit, farm, or organization that would like to host a visit and discuss ideas for future legislation, please complete the form below.
WHILE PRITZKER FUMBLES, INDIANA ADVANCES BEARS STADIUM LEGISLATION
Last Thursday, the Indiana House Ways & Means Committee unanimously approved legislation creating a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority for a proposed Bears stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Meanwhile, the Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee canceled a planned hearing on proposed Bears stadium legislation.
Gov. JB Pritzker said he was disappointed after his team met with the Bears.
Two potential sites are under consideration. A substantial parcel in Arlington Heights, Illinois—already owned by the franchise and formerly home to Arlington Park—offers space for a stadium, hotel development, and entertainment district. It has convenient highway and commuter rail access and is located near O’Hare International Airport.
A second site in Hammond, Indiana, near the Illinois border and adjacent to Wolf Lake, is also being considered. While the site offers redevelopment potential, it lacks nearby commercial airport service, and the primary highway access is a toll road.
Legislation related to both sites is moving forward in their respective states. If the Bears choose Illinois, local municipalities and taxing bodies could be asked to share hosting responsibilities. One option under discussion would involve forgoing certain property tax revenues that a privately owned stadium and hotel complex would otherwise generate.
No final decision has been announced. Debate will continue, but the bottom line remains clear: taxpayers must not bear the cost.
Continue reading here.
SNAPSHOTS
IL FARM BUREAU’S GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
I was pleased to attend the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference and discuss priority issues with the McLean County Farm Bureau.
ARGENTA ICEFEST
In mid-February, I attended the 10th Annual Argenta IceFest. The family-event featured over 25 ice sculptures and live carvings and was held by Argenta in Motion (A.I.M.), a community-supported initiative started in 2015.
CLINTON AMERICAN LEGION
While in Springfield, I met with Josh T. from the Clinton American Legion to advocate for legislation benefitting our veterans.
COLLEGE ADVOCACY DAY
February 25th marked College Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Students from all state institutions came to advocate for increased state funding for their colleges. I met with students from the University of Illinois System.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Happy Birthday, President Lincoln!
VALENTINES FOR SENIORS
Thank you to everyone that made cards for my Valentines for Seniors card drive! Our office was able to deliver the cards to many area seniors, brightening their day.
STATE OF THE STATE/BUDGET ADDRESS WITH REP. HAUTER AND SEN. TURNER
To listen to the Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address delivered to a joint session, I sat next to my colleagues, Representative Hauter (87th District) and Senator Sally Turner (44th District).
FAMILIAR FACES VISIT THE HOUSE FLOOR
A familiar face, former Rep. Dan Caulkins visited the House Floor during Session.
DECATUR RACINO
During Session, I met with a Decatur-based group advocating for the current pending legislation for the Decatur Racino. To follow along with the legislation, visit ilga.gov.
ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation Fellows class visited the Capitol during the Session last week. The Foundation, founded in 1981, is committed to serving the agricultural industry through leadership development, education, and lifelong connection. They were accompanied by Amanda Martin, President and CEO of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation, and Jenna Wicks, Director of Strategic Programs & Education, who support and lead this important work. I was thrilled to have several constituents participating in the program.
ILLINOIS MIDWEST TRUCKERS ASSOCIATION
Thanks to the Illinois Midwest Truckers Association for inviting me to speak alongside colleagues about the challenges ahead in Springfield. It’s our honor to work for the great families in the industry. Over 3,000 people will come through the showcase in Peoria highlighting great products and partners.
RED FOR WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH
Cardiovascular disease kills 1 in 3 women, making it the number 1 killer of women. We wear red to symbolize support for research and prevention. Visit the American Heart Association’s website to learn more about risk, healthy living, and how to get involved.
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!
