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 legislation I passed during the House Bill committee deadline week, trailblazing women I highlighted for Women’s History Month, an op-ed I penned about “No Tax on Tips,” and recognize various groups I visited while at the Capitol and back home in the 88th.
DEERING BILL TO IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY IN DCFS INVESTIGATIONS CLEARS ADOPTION COMMITTEE
My bill, HB 4242, which requires DCFS to include written notification to the alleged perpetrator in an investigation on six items, regardless of whether an administrative appeal has been requested, passed the Adoption and Child Welfare Committee. Those items include:
- A statement of allegation and the indicated finding
- The length of time the indicated finding will be maintained in the State Central Register
- A notice of the right to request an administrative appeal of the finding
- The period of time for when an administrative appeal must be requested
- How to request an administrative appeal
- A notice of the request for a copy of the investigative file and how to request it, regardless of whether an administrative appeal was requested
The bill passed unanimously and now awaits further action. To read my entire statement, click here.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
For Women’s History Month, I honored three trailblazing women. Minnie Jones, Verna Crusius Huffman, and Ella O. Turner made great impacts on the insurance industry as we know it today. Thanks to their efforts, State Farm’s success can be directly attributed to the historic leadership of women.
OP-ED: DEERING PROPOSES NO TAX ON TIPS
Earlier this year, I introduced legislation, HB 4519, to create an income tax deduction for gratuities included in a taxpayer’s federal adjusted gross income. It would be effective immediately and would mirror the commonsense direction Congress is taking.
To bolster my argument, I penned an Op-Ed discussing the benefits of the legislation. Read it here.
ILLINOIS SHOULD OPT INTO THE FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX PROGRAM
Nearly 55% of Illinois voters support the state opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, but it is up to Gov. Pritzker to opt the state in.
Illinois has until Jan. 1 to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. Doing so would mean students could begin taking advantage of these extra education dollars as soon as next year.
Students in public or private schools can use the scholarship money for educational services such as tutoring, additional educational classes, books or online educational materials, fees for standardized or college admissions exams and fees for dual enrollment.
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program will not divert federal or state money from public schools. There is no cost to states — only the benefit of more help for students.
If Illinois does not opt into the program, state residents can still get the tax credit, but the scholarship money would go elsewhere. No Illinois students would be eligible for the funds.
The tax credit is federal and will take effect no matter what Illinois decides. With broad support for opting in among Illinoisans, state leaders’ response should be clear.
Continue reading here.
DEERING: EVERY LIFE HAS VALUE, HAS PURPOSE, AND IS A GIFT
On the House Floor, I recognized the ongoing March for Life and Rally taking place at the Capitol Complex. To me, the gift of life isn’t political, it’s deeply personal. Every life has value, every life has purpose, and every life is a gift; a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
REMINDER: ACCEPTING “THE REGAN ROUTE” REFERRALS
ICYMI: I am accepting referrals for my Regan Route tours!
As your State Representative, I am committed to strengthening the line of communication with businesses, organizations, farms, non-profits, residents, resource-centers, and groups that make up the 88th District.
Through my “The Regan Route” initiative, I am taking the opportunity to better understand the successes and challenges of local residents in their day-to-day lives. My hope is to gain the necessary insight to best serve the district in Springfield.
If you know a local business, organization, non-profit, farm, or group that would like to have me tour their facility and discuss ideas for future legislation, please complete the form below.
PRITZKER’S LATEST POWER GRAB TARGETS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
During his State of the State and Budget Address, Gov. Pritzker proposed making another cut to the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF), which would take roughly $60 million away from municipalities across the state.
These funds are crucial for essential local services such as emergency response, public works, and public safety. The LGDF funds also help offset costs to keep property taxes and fees lower for residents, but when Springfield continues to underfund and take away funds for local governments, families are left paying the price.
His initiative, BUILD Illinois, would strip local control, as the proposal includes a sweeping zoning overhaul to limit local government’s authority of what can be built in their communities.
As Governor Pritzker moves to strip away funding and local control from municipalities across Illinois, he continues to centralize more power in Springfield. House Republicans are pushing back against Governor Pritzker’s proposals by advancing legislation to fully fund the LGDF.
Keep reading here.
HOUSE BILL COMMITTEE DEADLINE WEEK STATS
The last two weeks were very busy down in Springfield as the House prepared for the House Bill Committee Deadline Week. With nearly 2,000 bills assigned to different committees, the House moved 264 bills, with 36 being Republican-sponsored and 228 belonging to Democrats.
Members are in their districts this upcoming week but will return to Springfield on April 7th to begin the process of moving House bills over to the Senate.
GOV. PRITZKER’S TAX HIKES ARE CRUSHING WORKING FAMILIES
Despite the governor’s claim that he has “lowered taxes on working-class people in this state,” the facts tell a very different story.
- Just last week, WalletHub ranked Illinois number one for the highest tax rates in the country, a staggering 53% above the national average.
- According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois residents are paying an average of $1,434 more per person in taxes than before Governor Pritzker took office.
- Compared to 2019, Illinois now collects $18 billion more from taxpayers, a 51% increase.
- Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has enacted at least 49 tax and fee hikes on Illinois families and businesses.
SNAPSHOTS
AG DAY
March 24th marked Ag Day, with many school FFA programs all across Illinois visiting the State Capitol.
CHERRY PIE DAY
Thank you to the homeschool students who visited the Capitol on March 26th for their annual “Cherry Pie Day,” a day where students bring baked pies to legislators. I was thrilled to meet with families from across the 88th District, including Amanda and her daughter Bailey from Weldon.
MEALS ON WHEELS IN MACON COUNTY
It was an awesome day riding along as a “Community Champion” for Meals on Wheels in Macon Co. This daily delivery brings smiles & meaningful interaction with over 400 seniors. The non-profit is in need of volunteers, even just one day a month for set routes. Help meet a need and make a difference at cc.dio.org
HEINKEL’S PACKING CO
Congratulations to Heinkel’s Packing Co for their recognition by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association as a Centennial business. Located in Decatur since 1912, Heinkel’s has been recognized for offering high quality meat products, including smoked turkey legs, sausage, deli meats and pet treats too. Stop by and try their award-winning products!
CONNECT TRANSIT
Got an up close look at Connect Transit’s HQ and service fleet. It was especially interesting to see the routes and coordination to help provide rides for rural McLean County residents. Thanks to Brady, Julie, and Brandon for the tour and conversation.
TEENPACT
It was great to meet with a family from White Heath who was participating in TeenPact, an organization to help students learn how to embrace their call as the next generation of leaders.
SUCCESSFUL MOBILE DMV IN HEYWORTH
Thank you to everyone who attended the Mobile DMV event held in Heyworth this month! With the help of the Secretary of State’s office, nearly 40 people were able to receive the DMV services they needed.
Additionally, the Illinois Treasurer’s Office was also in attendance and helped start the process on nearly 10 I-CASH claims.
ADVISORY GROUP WITH SEN. SALLY TURNER
In mid-March, I met with students from across the 88th District as they visited the Capitol to participate in Sen. Sally Turner’s Student Advisory Group. I was honored to show the students around the House Floor and talk a little about my work in the legislature.
DUCKS UNLIMITED
Thank you to Ducks Unlimited for visiting me while in Springfield!
LOCAL LABOR
I always appreciate conversations about local labor. Thank you Joe and Josh for stopping by.
IASB ADVOCACY DAY
March 24th marked the lobby day for the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). Issues affecting our local school boards are especially important to me in my work as board member for Mt. Zion CUSD 3. Thank you to David from Blue Ridge for visiting the Capitol.
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!
