Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your State Representative, I want to keep you informed about what’s happening in Springfield and throughout the 88th District.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on the FY27 budget, my Summer Reading Program, grants awarded throughout the district, legislative developments, and highlights from events and meetings across central Illinois.
DEERING VOTES NO ON RECORD SPENDING PLAN: FAMILIES NEED RELIEF, DEMOCRATS DELIVERED HIGHER TAXES AND MORE SPENDING
State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) voted against the partisan FY27 state budget, which spends a record $55.9 billion and relies on approximately $800 million in new taxes and fees.
In addition to tax increases, the budget includes at least $220 million for member projects in Democrat districts, $410 million for immigrant support services, and a 3.2% pay raise for legislators.
“Families are being crushed by higher taxes, higher utility bills, higher grocery prices, and rising property taxes,” said Rep. Deering. “Instead of delivering relief, Democrats passed another record spending plan with benefits for non-citizens and pay hikes for politicians. This budget shows exactly where their priorities are, and working families are not at the top of the list. That is not affordability. It is the opposite.”
Continue reading here.
SUMMER READING UNDERWAY, ENDS JULY 15TH
My Summer Reading Program, Reading Plants a Seed, is now underway. Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade who live in or attend school within the 88th House District are encouraged to participate.
Students must read eight books during summer break and have a parent or guardian verify their reading. Books longer than 150 pages may count as two books. Reading completed for another summer reading program may also count toward this challenge.
Completed forms must be submitted electronically or mailed to my district office by July 15.
Submit online: RepDeering.com → Resources → Summer Reading
Mail submissions to:
Rep. Regan Deering
419 E. Ash Ave.
Decatur, IL 62526
Participants will receive an invitation to a certificate ceremony later this summer and an official Illinois House of Representatives certificate recognizing their achievement.
Learn more and submit using the button below.
DEMOCRATS CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE PARENTS’ RIGHTS
During the final days of session, lawmakers passed SB 3341 along partisan lines. The legislation allows minors to obtain contraceptives without parental consent, and the sponsor indicated that abortion drugs could be included under the bill’s definition of contraceptive products.
Rep. Deering opposed the legislation and continues to advocate for greater parental involvement in decisions affecting children.
DEERING VOTES NO ON HB 5295 (VIDEO)
There’s a lot of spin coming out of Springfield and you deserve honest explanations about what these bills actually do. One bill that didn’t get nearly enough attention this year was the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act. Watch the video below to learn more about the bill and where I stood on the measure when casting my vote.
VILLAGE OF DOWNS AWARDED SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT
The Village of Downs has been awarded $239,169 through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School Program.
The funding will support sidewalk improvements, pedestrian crossing upgrades, and traffic-control enhancements near Tri-Valley Elementary, Middle, and High School.
This investment will help improve safety and accessibility for students who walk or bike to school.
DEERING URGES PRITZKER TO FOLLOW NY AND OPT IL INTO FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Following reports that New York will participate in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, Rep. Deering renewed her call for Governor Pritzker to make Illinois eligible as well.
“Even Democrat governors are recognizing this common sense opportunity to help students and working families,” said Rep. Deering. “Illinois families already send billions of dollars to Washington. We should be fighting to bring those resources back home.”
Continue reading here.
5 SCHOOLS AWARDED BIODIVERSITY FIELD TRIP GRANTS
Thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program, six classes from five schools in the 88th District received funding to explore Illinois’ natural resources through educational field trips.
These experiences provide students with valuable opportunities to learn about conservation, wildlife, and the environment firsthand.
For more information, visit the IDNR grant program website.
DEERING JOINS CALL FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AND REFORM
Rep. Deering joined House Republican colleagues in calling for meaningful property tax relief and reform before the conclusion of the spring legislative session.
Proposals outlined in the letter include:
- A cap on local government reserve funds Increased Local Government Distributive
- Fund (LGDF) reimbursements
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reform
- Consolidation of local government units through voter approval
- State-funded education grants to reduce property tax burdens
- A hard cap on property tax growth
“Illinois families are being taxed out of their homes,” said Rep. Deering. “We must pursue reforms that make our state more affordable.”
Read the letter here.
MUSEUM PASS REQUEST FORM
Looking for a fun family outing?
Residents of the 88th District can request complimentary admission passes to select Chicago-area museums through Rep. Deering’s office.
The pass covers general admission for up to four guests and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve a pass:
Visit RepDeering.com
Call (217) 876-1968
Email [email protected]
SNAPSHOTS
ILLINOIS BACON DAY
May 6th marked Illinois Bacon Day here at the Capitol. Every May 6, we commemorate the work of the Illinois pork producers who #BringHomeTheBacon.
FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL
We honored firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony in Springfield. Each year, the ceremony allows us to remember those who have fallen and to recognize the firefighters who continue to serve our communities with such pride, courage, and honor.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS REGIONAL AIRPORT AWARDED $1.5M GRANT
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood secured $1.5 million in federal grant funding for the Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA) to help build an air cargo road extending Airport Road south toward Route 9. The investment is key to roadway safety as it eliminates heavy truck traffic along Airport Rd. The dollars invested will also help spur economic growth and development at the airport. Key stakeholders are looking to secure an additional $3 million to complete the project.
PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL
Alongside my colleagues, I attended the Illinois Peace Officers Memorial service to pay tribute to Illinois’ fallen police officers. The solemn ceremony honors the bravery, service, and sacrifice of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
I was honored to attend and recognize these heroes and their loved ones. My prayers are with the family and friends of all who have fallen and with all who continue to serve and protect our communities.
LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS VISIT THE CAPITOL
Thank you to the local firefighters who visited me while in Springfield. I appreciate all the work you do to keep our communities safe.
ILLINI MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM TAKES ON ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE
To celebrate their successful season, the Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team was invited to the Chambers. Congrats gentleman!
DEERING MEETS WITH SEN. HILLS
Thank you to Sen. Hills for your work on helping me pass HB 4242. This bill will provide the much needed transparency for families, while keeping DCFS accountable.
DEERING JOINS BREAKFAST DISCUSSION WITH PASTORS
I met with pastors in Springfield to discuss legislative issues and hear perspectives from faith leaders. Below, I am pictured with Rev. Thomas Walker.
ABATE
During a busy Session week, I had the opportunity to meet with ABATE. I appreciate your advocacy and enjoyed speaking with you.
IWU FISHER CENTER
I attended the opening of Illinois Wesleyan University’s Fisher Center for Quantum Science and Engineering, the first facility of its kind at an undergraduate institution.
PIATT COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Thank you to Piatt County Emergency Management personnel for your service to rural central Illinois communities.
BEAN BALLERS GAME IN DECATUR
After a long Session Day, I attended a Decatur Bean Ballers game and welcomed the Prospect League team to the area.
FARMER CITY’ HERITAGE DAYS
I enjoyed participating in Farmer City Heritage Days and celebrating local history and community pride.
MEETING WITH A CONSTITUENT AT THE CAPITOL
Policy we craft in Springfield affects all of you. I’m grateful to constituent Michelle for advocating for e-bike regulation and safety.
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!
