Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your State Representative, I will always provide you with updates about what is going on in Springfield and around the 88th District.
In this issue, I discuss the signing of this year’s budget, provide information about power outages during tornado season, and share some America 250 events happening across the district (hope to see you at one!).
DEERING OPPOSED GOVERNOR SIGNING FY27 BUDGET
Late this month, Governor Pritzker signed the budget into law, making is the largest enacted budget in state history, spending $55.9 billion and including $800 million in new taxes and fees.
“It is appalling that Governor Pritzker made the decision to sign this budget into law while families are being crushed by the rising costs of everyday life,” said Rep. Deering. “While Pritzker tours affordability, his budget delivers the exact opposite, prioritizing pay raises for lawmakers, giving away money to noncitizens, and segregating funds for Democrat-only projects.”
Continue reading my full statement here.
REMINDER: SUMMER READING UNDERWAY, ENDS JULY 15TH
My Summer Reading Program, Reading Plants a Seed, is coming to an end soon! 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 MAKE $500 BILLION ERROR IN THE BUDGET
Following the passage of the budget, Governor Pritzker issues a series of item and reduction vetoes to correct errors contained in the 3,700-page spending plan. Among the mistakes was an error that appropriated more than $500 billion to a local organization, an amount nearly nine times larger than the entire state budget.
The error underscores the flawed and rushed budget process that occurs in the final hours of the legislative session. Major spending decisions are often negotiated behind closed doors and voted on in the middle of the night, leaving little time for lawmakers or the public to thoroughly review thousands of pages before final passage.
Read more here.
DEERING APPALLED BY DEMOCRATS’ FUMBLE OF THE BEARS DEAL
Following the Bears’ announcement of plans to leave Chicago and relocate to Hammond, Indiana, I issued the following statement:
“The potential loss of the Bears would be devastating for our state,” said Rep. Deering. “Not only would more than 100 years of history be uprooted, but our economy would suffer due to the habitual inaction of the Democrat supermajority. Governor Pritzker and Speaker Welch can blame anyone they want, but the reality is that Illinois’ anti-business policies and high-tax, high-cost environment are driving businesses away.”
In their statement, Chairman George H. McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren said the move to Hammond would “transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city.”
Deering, a lifelong Bears fan, said the Bears’ decision should serve as a wake-up call for Illinois leaders.
Read the rest of my statement here.
NEW TAX ON CREDIT CARD COULD BE STALLED FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Before the Spring Session adjourned, the General Assembly voted to delay the implementation of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) for another year. IFPA prohibits interchange fees, otherwise known as “swipe fees,” on the sales tax and tip portions of card transactions.The law would incentivize merchants to make multiple transactions, creating chaos for customers.
The law, originally passed in 2024, will now be delayed for two consecutive years if the Governor signs this latest measure into law. The bill passed the House unanimously.
Keep reading here.
ILLINOIS UNDER FIRE FOR SNAP ERROR RATE
Illinois’ SNAP error rates have skyrocketed, thanks to many years of mismanagement. These error rates are a calculated percentage of SNAP benefits paid out to recipients. Illinois is a high-error state, sitting at a 14.67% error rate, well above the national average of 10.62%.
With the error rate for the fiscal year 2025 being so high, Illinois could face hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties or lost federal funding.
Families in need deserve a program that is run effectively, and taxpayers deserve accountability. Governor Pritzker cannot keep blaming the federal government for problems created here at home. It’s time to address fraud, waste, and abuse and fix one of the highest error rates in the nation.
Learn more here.
DEERING DISAPPOINTED IN THE SIGNING OF THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RECORDS PRIVACY ACT
In response to Governor Pritzker signing HB 5295 into law, establishing the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, I issued the following statement:
“Protecting patient privacy is important, but HB 5295 goes far beyond privacy protections by creating a completely separate system for concealing abortion-related health records,” said Rep. Deering. “As a pro-life legislator, I am disappointed in my colleagues and Gov. Pritzker for advancing legislation that raises concerns about patient safety and further normalizes abortion access, camouflaged as healthcare.”
The new law restricts access to abortion-related medical records by segregating the records and allowing them to be available only to certain providers upon request. The law also mandates that entities that maintain and facilitate the transfer of health information develop and enable certain features to protect patient privacy.
To read my full statement, click here.
FIRE DEPARTMENTS/EMS PROVIDERS GRANTS AWARDED
This month, two grant-awarding agencies announced recipients from the 88th District.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded its 2026 Small Equipment Grants to fire departments, fire protection districts, and EMS providers across Illinois. Thanks to the passage of SB 2645, volunteer fire departments may be added to this list of qualifying departments, pending the Governor’s signature, and I was glad to support the bill.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded $495,000 in federal grants to 73 volunteer departments across the state, which included three departments from the 88th district.
Congratulations to the recipients and thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our communities safe.
STORM SAFETY & AMEREN OUTAGES MAP
Being prepared for severe weather before it strikes can help keep you and your family safe throughout the year. I encourage everyone to review this Severe Weather Preparedness Guide and take steps now to better prepare for future weather emergencies.
For those in Ameren territory, you can check out its interactive map for updates on outage locations and estimated restoration times.
AMERICA 250: THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
The year 2026 marks an extraordinary milestone for our nation: 250 years since its founding.
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, I encourage you and your family to take part in local events, explore Illinois and American history, and reflect on our wonderful nation while looking forward to building a brighter future.
To commemorate this milestone for our nation, I am co-sponsoring House Resolution 664.
Since becoming a state in 1818, Illinois has played an influential role in America’s story. From its fertile farmland feeding people across the globe to its world-class universities, we live in a state that has greatly contributed to our country’s growth.
Our state has also been home to many influential leaders, including Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.
I hope you will join me in celebrating this summer!
Visit RepDeering.com for a list of local America 250 events.
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
HEARTLAND COCA-COLA TOUR: CENTRAL IL HOMETOWN LOCATION
I had the opportunity to visit the Heartland Coca-Cola Central IL Hometown location in Springfield. During my visit, I toured their facility and met with several employees. The facility services customers from east to west in central Illinois, spanning from Charleston to Quincy. Thank you to the Central IL Hometown team for the hospitality and for the fun goody bag!
DEWITT COUNTY FARM BUREAU’S YOUNG LEADERS BREAKFAST
I was pleased to attend the DeWitt County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Breakfast and have the opportunity to speak with so many young leaders in the agricultural community. These young men have bright futures ahead of them.
WELCOME AVERY & SAL!
Welcome summer interns Sal and Avery to the district office!
LEROY FERTILIZER SERVICES VISIT
A big thank you to Bob Spratt and team for allowing me to tour LeRoy Fertilizer Services. Six total employees help run this $10.5 million annual business, serving over 50,000 acres each year. This was a great opportunity to learn about the science, storage, and applications of their products. Thank you for your contributions to the agricultural industry!
CONGRATS EAGLE SCOUT, CHRISTOPHER!
A big congratulations to Christopher on the success of his Eagle Scout project! Christopher collaborated with Monticello city officials, the Farnsworth group, community members, and others, leading to the dedication of a permanent flag pole in honor of Pfc. Robert C. Burke at the Pfc. Robert C. Burke Memorial Park in Monticello.
KEEP IN TOUCH
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It is an honor to serve you. I am committed to maintaining an open line of communication, so please do not hesitate to reach out.
