Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your State Representative, I am committed to keeping you informed about what is happening in Springfield and throughout the 88th District.
In this issue, you’ll find updates on new laws signed by the Governor, information about recovery efforts following recent damaging storms across Illinois, and highlights from events and organizations I’ve visited throughout the district.
DEERING DEFENDS SMALL BUSINESSES, OPPOSES NEW MANDATE FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES
I issued the following statement after Governor Pritzker signed legislation expanding the existing Construction Site Temporary Restroom Facility Act.
SB 3465 requires construction sites with 10 or more workers to provide a separate restroom for women and individuals who menstruate when a woman or individual who menstruates is employed on the site and the nature of the person’s job does not inherently limit their presence to two days or less.
The restroom must be designated for use by women and individuals who menstruate and identified with exterior signage. The law also requires employers to provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost to workers who need them.
Deering said the new requirements could create significant logistical and financial challenges for businesses, particularly small businesses and contractors working on short-term projects.
“This new law is just another added mandate and cost on businesses in Illinois,” said Rep. Deering. “Our state is already struggling with businesses leaving Illinois, and laws like this paint a clear picture of why. Every new mandate makes it more difficult and more expensive to do business in our state.”
Continue reading my full statement here.
DEERING MEETS WITH STATE FARM FOLLOWING DAMAGING STORMS IN MCLEAN COUNTY
Following the many damaging storms that have moved through Illinois in recent months, the Governor signed a proclamation to provide relief to affected communities. McLean County was included in the proclamation, with Bloomington-Normal among the areas hit hardest.
I visited the State Farm relief site in Bloomington and met with representatives who are helping customers navigate the next steps following the storms.
I applaud State Farm for being accessible to residents and businesses during the cleanup and recovery process.
Eligible communities in McLean County may apply for disaster response funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Community Development Block Grant program.
If there is anything my office can do to help during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling (217) 876-1968 or visiting RepDeering.com.
For more information and links to apply, click here.
DEERING TEAMS UP WITH SEN. SALLY TURNER AND REP. BILL HAUTER TO HOST CLASSROOM CARE DRIVE
My office is teaming up with State Senator Sally Turner and State Representative Bill Hauter to support our local classrooms.
Now through September 30, our offices are collecting tissues, disinfectant wipes, paper towels and other essential supplies to help ensure a healthy and successful school year.
If you would like to contribute, you can drop off donations at any of our offices. Check out the flyer below for more information.
DEERING CONDEMNS PRTIZKER LAW CUTTING PARENTS OUT OF MINORS’ HEALTH CARE DECISIONS
I issued the following statement after Governor Pritzker signed SB 3341 into law, allowing minors to obtain contraceptive services and supplies without the consent of a parent or guardian.
“As a mother of two daughters, I am appalled that Governor Pritzker decided to sign this bill into law,” said Rep. Deering. “When it comes to a child’s health and overall well-being, parents need to be involved. This legislation strips away parental oversight purely for political gain. Intentionally removing parents from this conversation can lead to harmful consequences that may have a profound effect on a young girl’s life.”
Continue reading my full statement here.
AMID MULTIPLE ETHICS INVESTIGATIONS, REPUBLICANS CALL FOR REFORM
Speaker Welch created the Workplace Culture and Accountability Working Group in an apparent attempt to save face, but the group is already facing questions before it has even gotten off the ground.
Three Democratic lawmakers—Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Rep. Greg Johnson and Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl—were reportedly considered for the group but have declined to participate. Even Governor Pritzker has questioned whether a working group is the right approach.
It appears that even House Democrats recognize that what is needed is transparency and accountability—not another private working group.
Continue reading here.
DEERING DISAPPOINTED IN YET ANOTHER DCFS FAILURE, APPLAUDS SANGAMON COUNTY JUDGE
A Sangamon County circuit court judge has threatened to begin imposing daily fines on Governor Pritzker’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for its continued failure to appear in court and comply with orders to turn over documents related to the death of a teenager who was in the agency’s care.
Despite the Governor’s promises to reform the agency, DCFS continues to face scrutiny over multiple cases involving children in its care.
This continued dysfunction must end.
Continue reading here.
COLLEGES SCRAMBLE AFTER COURT STRIKES DOWN IN-STATE TUITION FOR IL UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
I issued the following statement after federal judge, Judge David Dugan of the Southern District of Illinois sided with the U.S. Department of Justice in its argument that these provisions violate federal law because they grant a benefit to noncitizens who live in state that citizens who live out of state cannot get.
“This ruling is a victory for our students, Illinois taxpayers, and basic fairness. When I introduced HB 4097, I said Illinois could not use taxpayer dollars to give people here illegally tuition and financial-aid benefits that are denied to American citizens. A federal court has again confirmed that principle.
“Governor Pritzker and Democrats were warned. Instead of fixing the law to align with basic fairness, the Pritzker administration defended a system that put illegal immigrants ahead of American students.
“College is already unaffordable for too many working families, and limited financial-aid dollars should not be used to reward illegal immigration.
“I’ll continue to work for affordability, basic fairness, and frankly, common sense.”
TOLLWAY BOARD APPROVES LARGEST TOLLWAY HIKE IN IL HISTORY
The Illinois Tollway approved a 45-cent toll increase for passenger vehicles beginning January 1 as part of a massive $26.5 billion capital spending plan.
The increase will occur automatically every two years to adjust for the cost of living. Commercial drivers will be hit even harder, facing toll increases of approximately 30 percent. That means higher costs for businesses at a time when Illinois is already struggling with employers leaving the state.
The authority to increase toll rates was approved by the Democrat supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly during the 2025 Fall Veto Session.
This increase is unacceptable. It shifts more costs onto downstate Illinoisans, commuters and visitors instead of addressing the root problems behind Illinois’ perpetual tax-and-spend cycle.
Keep reading here.
DEERING WISHES THE 88TH DISTRICT A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR
As the new school year begins, I want to wish students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff throughout the 88th District a safe, healthy and successful school year!
SNAPSHOTS
FRIEND OF AGRICULTURE AWARD FROM ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU
I was pleased to receive the Friend of Agriculture Award from the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Thank you to the Macon County Farm Bureau for presenting me with this award and for all you do to support agriculture and our farming communities.
I am honored to receive this recognition and proud to serve such an agriculture-rich district that leads the way in corn and soybean production and helps feed families around the world.
VISITING FREEDOM REINS IN DECATUR
Freedom Reins in Decatur operates seven days a week thanks to volunteers who help lead its equine therapy program.
The organization has been at its new site near Life Foursquare Church since 2025 and continues to grow.
Check out its website and stop in to say hello to learn more about how you can get involved.
A TRIP TO THE OLD BOOK BARN IN FORSYTH
Great to stop in and browse at The Old Book Barn in Forsyth. They are open 7 days a week, so stop in and check out their books, both old and new.
DEERING ATTENDS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN DECATUR
This year’s National Night Out in Decatur was a blast! The annual event helps build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
WILD HARVEST HONEY
Wild Harvest Honey Farm of Heyworth has a variety of honey products produced on site.
The beautiful grounds host fairy nights and tastings all year long.
THE CENTER IN SOUTH BLOOMINGTON
The Center in South Bloomington is an incredible community space that includes 2810 Cafe, as well as room for families to gather, play and spend time together.
Every weekend, the Center also hosts a food pantry and fellowship time.
Consider the Center for your next gathering or group event!
PHEASANTS FOREVER
I had the opportunity to fire a shotgun for the first time thanks to Pheasants Forever, which hosted a youth fun shoot at the Decatur Gun Club.
WELDON FERTILIZER
Thank you to the Sosamom father-and-son team at Weldon Fertilizer for sharing the history and growth of their company with me.
They serve farmers within approximately a 20-mile area and play an important role in supporting their agricultural neighbors.
CONGRATS ON RETIREMENT, JON SEEVERS!
After 42 years of service, Jon Seevers retired from the Cisco Fire Protection District. Congratulations, Jon! I hope you enjoy your retirement.
HEALTHCARE PANEL IN MACON COUNTY
Healthcare is always a top of mind issue for constituents. I was glad to hear from a leadership panel of providers in Macon County.
CIM-TEK FILTRATION CELBRATES 70 YEARS
The Ayers Family celebrated the founding of Cim-Tek Filtration 70 years ago in Bement.
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 accessible to the people I represent.
To stay connected, follow me on Facebook and Instagram 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!
