Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your State Representative, I am committed to keeping you informed about what’s happening in Springfield and through the 88th District.
In this issue, you’ll find updates on the new taxes that took effect on July 1, my calls for accountability in the Illinois House, legislation affecting Illinois families, and highlights from around our district.
NEW TAXES STARTING JULY 1
Governor Pritzker’s promise of affordability rings hollow as Illinois families are now paying the price for more than $800 million in new taxes that took effect on July 1. Instead of making Illinois more affordable, Democrats continue to fuel a tax-and-spend agenda that places additional burdens on working families, job creators, and consumers.
The new taxes include:
- Fantasy sports
- Digital advertising
- Cryptocurrency
- Prediction markets
Read more here.
DEERING SIGNS PETITION TO INVESTIGATE REP. CAROL AMMONS, CALLS FOR RESIGNATION
After State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) was federally indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to the FBI, I joined my House Republican colleagues in signing a petition to establish a Special Investigating Committee and called for her immediate resignation.
“I signed onto the petition to further investigate the charges filed against Rep. Carol Ammons because Illinoisans deserve full transparency from their public officials and government. The allegations against Rep. Ammons are incredibly serious and warrant a thorough review of her actions. As public officials, we have a duty to uphold the law and the public’s trust, and we must ensure there is accountability when serious allegations arise. I am calling for Rep. Ammons to resign from public office immediately.”
Continue reading here.
DEERING OPPOSES IN-STATE TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NON-CITIZENS, RENEWS CALL FOR HER LEGISLATION
I issued the following statement after Governor Pritzker signed HB 5093 into law. The legislation expands eligibility for in-state tuition and certain taxpayer-funded financial aid programs to students who are not in the country legally.
“Illinois families are already paying some of the highest taxes in the nation and now are being asked to subsidize college costs for students who are not here legally, and that is wrong. By signing this legislation into law, Governor Pritzker is continuing to reward bad behavior, allowing students who are in the country illegally to benefit from a system they have not contributed to. This is an attack on our taxpayers, who expect their dollars to benefit law-abiding citizens, not those who are here illegally.”
To ensure fairness for U.S. citizens attending college, I filed HB 4097, legislation that would prohibit anyone who is not in the country legally from receiving more favorable tuition or financial aid benefits than U.S. citizens in Illinois’ public higher education system.
“There is nothing fair about this new law for U.S. citizens. The Governor has placed non-citizens ahead of students who are here legally. By allowing non-citizens to draw from already limited financial aid funds, we are making college increasingly unattainable for students who rely on financial aid and scholarships to pursue higher education.”
Read my full statement here.
DEERING REACTS TO ENERGY BILLS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, URGES GREATER AFFORDABILITY
Governor Pritzker recently signed two energy-related bills into law.
HB 5524 requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to publish an annual report beginning January 1, 2027, explaining the taxes, fees, and surcharges included on Illinois electric bills.
HB 4456 expands eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level and permanently establishes the Base Energy Assistance Charge to recover program costs from other utility customers.
The monthly charge will be:
- $0.80 for customers served by utilities required to offer a low-income discount program.
- $0.40 for customers served by utilities that contribute to the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund but are not required to offer the discount program.
I supported HB 5524 because Illinois consumers deserve greater transparency regarding their utility bills. However, I opposed HB 4456 because it increases costs for families already struggling with higher household expenses without addressing the underlying causes of rising energy prices.
Read my full statement here.
DEERING PRAISES U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION PROTECTING GIRLS’ AND WOMEN’S SPORTS
I released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state laws in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, affirming that states may restrict participation in girls’ and women’s sports based on biological sex.
“Today’s ruling is a major victory for fairness, safety, and common sense. From my first week in office, I’ve fought to protect girls’ sports and private spaces for biological females because I’m a mother of two daughters and a former biology teacher. I believe our girls deserve a level playing field and a non-negotiable right to privacy and safety. The Supreme Court has affirmed what I’ve said from day one. Protecting girls’ sports is not controversial—it’s basic fairness.”
Continue reading here.
DEERING EARNS 100% NFIB VOTING RECORD
After earning a 100% voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), I issued the following release:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, creating jobs, driving innovation, and supporting local families,” said Rep. Deering. “I am honored to receive a 100% voting record from NFIB, and I will continue fighting for policies that reduce burdens on job creators, encourage economic growth, and make Illinois a better place to start, grow, and operate a business.”
NFIB’s annual voting record evaluates legislators on key small-business issues based on selected votes during the legislative session, assigning each lawmaker a score from 0% to 100%. The scorecard reflects the priorities of NFIB’s small-business members and recognizes legislators who consistently support policies that help small businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley praised my commitment to Illinois’ small-business community.
“Representative Deering is a tireless advocate for the small businesses in her district,” said Finley. “She understands the importance of Main Street businesses and how excessive regulations and taxes hamper small businesses’ ability to grow and create jobs in our communities.”
Continue reading here.
DEERING: WELCH’S HANDLING OF BENTON ALLEGATIONS EXPOSES ROTTEN CULTURE
I issued the following statement following new reporting that Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch’s office was informed of harassment allegations against former State Representative Harry Benton in 2023 but failed to take prompt and meaningful action.
“For too long, Illinoisans have watched politicians protect one another, hide behind secret processes, and wait until a scandal becomes impossible to ignore before taking action,” said Rep. Deering. “The names change, but the playbook remains the same.”
“As a mother of two daughters, I find the Speaker’s handling of these allegations deeply disturbing. When a young woman finds the courage to come forward, government leaders should protect her—not the political insider she accused. Illinoisans deserve transparency, accountability, and leaders who stand with victims instead of protecting politicians.”
Continue reading my full statement here.
MUSEUM PASS REQUEST FORM
Planning a family trip to Chicago?
Residents of the 88th District can request complimentary admission passes to select Chicago-area museums through my district office. Passes provide general admission for up to four guests and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve a pass:
- Visit RepDeering.com
- Call (217) 876-1968
- Email [email protected]
SNAPSHOTS
PUBLIC READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
I joined Senator Sally Turner and Decatur Park District Executive Director Ken Frye for a nationwide public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Maroa Public Library. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our nation’s founding and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MISSY WOOTERS
I want to recognize my Chief of Staff, Missy Wooters, for everything she does for the people of the 88th District. Whether she’s helping constituents, coordinating events, or keeping our office running smoothly, Missy is an invaluable member of our team. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
DEERING DELIVERS DONATED DIAPERS AND WIPES TO AREA RESOURCE CENTERS
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the 88th District, our office collected more than 100 boxes of diapers and wipes during our Diaper Drive this spring. Throughout the spring and summer, I delivered those donations to resource centers across the district to help local families in need.
As a proud pro-life and pro-family legislator, I believe supporting mothers doesn’t end at birth. Community efforts like this demonstrate the compassion and generosity that make our district such a wonderful place to call home. Thank you to the Macon County Farm Bureau for its continued partnership and to everyone who donated to make this effort a success.
MEETING WITH TEACH PLUS POLICY FELLOW MADISON
I enjoyed meeting with Teach Plus Policy Fellow Madison to discuss my education priorities and her work to promote teacher mentorship and retention through legislation. I appreciate her dedication to strengthening Illinois schools and supporting our educators.
CELEBRATING SUPER BOWL CHAMPION JACARDIA WRIGHT
I joined a great crowd at the Lincoln Theater to welcome Decatur native Jacardia Wright home following his Super Bowl championship. His story of perseverance and success serves as an inspiration for young people throughout our community.
MARIAH’S MUMS & MORE PEACH PARTY
I stopped by the Peach Party at Mariah’s Mums & More in Clinton. It’s always great to support local small businesses, and they have outstanding produce, beautiful flowers, and delicious treats.
AMERICA 250 SHOWCASE IN DEWITT COUNTY
The C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum had an excellent showcase of America 250 quilts. Be sure to check out their website at chmoorehomestead.org for more events.
FOURTH OF JULY FUN!
There were so many 4th of July parades in the 88th District! I joined celebrations in LeRoy and Bement this year.
TOUR OF NORFOLK- SOUTHERN
Thank you to Norfolk-Southern for an amazing hands-on tour of the Decatur rail yard.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s newsletter. Serving the families of the 88th District is an honor, and I remain committed to keeping you informed and being accessible to the people I represent.
To stay connected, follow me on Facebook and sign up for email updates at RepDeering.com. If my office can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Talk to you soon!
