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 Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, harvest safety, information about an upcoming Medicare 101 seminar, and what I’ve been up to in the district.
DEERING URGES SAFE-T ACT REFORM ON THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF CASH BAIL ELIMINATION
On the third anniversary of the passage of the SAFE-T Act, I issued the following release calling for reforms to Illinois’ pretrial detention system:
“Three years ago, Illinois eliminated cash bail and fundamentally changed how pretrial detention works, putting defendants ahead of victims, families, and public safety,” said Rep. Deering. “Communities across the state have suffered the very real consequences of this flawed law, but Democrats continue to look the other way. The families of Megan Bos, Officer John Bartholomew, and so many others deserve justice.”
I am a co-sponsor of four key House Republican bills that would reform the current pretrial system:
HB 1482: Expands pretrial detention eligibility to all felony offenses, giving judges greater discretion to consider the circumstances of each case.
HB 1483: Strengthens accountability when defendants violate the conditions of pretrial release, including failing to appear in court.
HB 1479: Allows judges to revoke pretrial release when a defendant violates the terms of that release.
HB 5757: Requires the revocation of pretrial release when a defendant on electronic monitoring is found to have probable cause to have committed a new felony while on pretrial release.
Since the SAFE-T Act took effect, House Republicans have filed more than 40 bills aimed at addressing problems with the law. Those bills remain in the House Rules Committee.
Continue reading my full statement here.
DEERING CALLS FOR STRONGER ETHICS LAWS AHEAD OF LEGISLATIVE INSPECTOR GENERAL VACANCY
This month, the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) announced that he will resign effective September 30. We cannot simply fill the vacancy. This is the perfect chance to update our state’s ethics laws, empower the new LIG, and restore public confidence in the General Assembly.
House Republicans have put forward numerous anti-corruption bills, but they have yet to be taken up. Some of the measures I have co-sponsored that would strengthen ethics laws in Illinois include:
HB 1382 (Rep. Spain) – Allows the Legislative Inspector General to issue subpoenas without prior approval and requires the Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions to make reports available to the public within 60 days.
HB 1554 (Rep. McCombie) – Prohibits the use of campaign funds to provide a defense in certain criminal cases or civil cases involving misconduct in a public official’s capacity, sexual harassment, or discrimination.
HB 1727 (Rep. Elik) – Suspends pension benefits when a public employee is charged with a felony determined to be connected to his or her public service and permanently withholds those suspended benefits upon conviction.
These bills can be taken up during the Veto Session this fall, and I strongly encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to do so, particularly in light of the multiple ongoing investigations involving members of the House Democratic Caucus.
DEERING EARNS PERFECT SCORE ON TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
The Technology & Manufacturing Association has released its 2025-2026 Legislative Scorecard, grading Illinois legislators on their voting records. Nearly two dozen lawmakers were named “Manufacturing Champions” after scoring 100% on the scorecard.
TMA’s Legislative Scorecard tracked lawmakers’ votes on key manufacturing-related legislation, including SB 3070, SB 1976, SB 2339, SB 3019, SB 3772, SB 3777, HB 4725, HB 4844, HB 5228, and HB 5284.
I was among the 22 state lawmakers who scored 100%. I released the following statement regarding my perfect scorecard:
“I am honored to have earned a perfect scorecard from TMA at a time when many manufacturers are being forced to make tough decisions on where to invest, grow, and create new jobs,” said Rep. Deering. “This year alone, manufacturers employing thousands of Illinoisans have closed their doors due to the unaffordable and unworkable policies in our state. As a legislature, we need to continue to advance legislation that will ensure that Illinois remains a place where businesses and communities thrive. I will continue to advocate for legislation that makes Illinois more competitive, affordable, and a destination for new growth, investment, and development.”
In response to the 22 legislators earning a perfect scorecard, TMA Executive Vice President Dennis LaComb released the following statement:
“Small and midsize manufacturers are the backbone of the Illinois economy, and their success depends on strong partners in Springfield,” said TMA Executive Vice President Dennis LaComb. “We commend the 22 legislators who scored 100% and are looking out for our manufacturers, but our members need broader engagement from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle going forward. We know that when legislators understand what small and midsize manufacturers need to grow, they will answer the call. TMA stands ready to work with every member of the General Assembly to lower costs, streamline regulations, and keep Illinois manufacturing competitive.”
Read the full release here.
CAROL AND AARON AMMONS’ TRIAL RESCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER, AFTER GENERAL ELECTION
Indicted State Rep. Carol Ammons’ federal corruption trial has now been moved to December, after Election Day. Rep. Ammons is one of three state representatives in the Democratic Party facing ethics controversies or criminal allegations this year. How many more will it take for Democrats to take meaningful action on ethics reform and root out corruption in the Statehouse?
Continue reading here.
DEERING URGES GOVERNOR TO OPT ILLINOIS INTO FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit offers families a way to provide the academic support their children need. Despite bipartisan support, Governor Pritzker has not yet opted Illinois into the program. If he does not do so by the deadline, funds from Illinois donors will go to out-of-state students instead of supporting students here in Illinois.
Voice your support for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit by signing my petition today:
HARVEST SAFETY
Keep an eye out for large, slow-moving farm equipment on the roadways this fall as harvest season ramps up. Please be patient, slow down, and give farmers plenty of space to safely do their work.
UPCOMING: MEDICARE 101 IN MONTICELLO WITH SEN. TURNER
Join State Senator Sally Turner and I for a FREE Medicare 101 Seminar, hosted with the Illinois Department on Aging. The seminar will take place on Thursday, October 15th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Monticello at Kirby Medical Center in the Community Outreach Room (near the cafe), located at 1000 Medical Center Drive.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Medicare from the state’s top professionals, please use the button below to sign up or call my office at (217) 876-1968 to secure a spot or ask questions.
CONGRATS LEROY JUNION HIGH SOFTBALL TEAM
For the first time in school history, the LeRoy Junior High Softball team are state champions! Congrats Panthers!
SNAPSHOTS
DEERING MARKS SUCCESSFUL FISHING DERBY
Thank you to everyone who participated in State Senator Sally Turner’s and my fishing derby this month! We had nearly 50 participants join us to fish at Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton.
Thank you to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Conservation Police, and the staff at Weldon Springs State Park for all of your help in making this event a success.
BRUSH COLLEGE OVERPASS OPENING IN DECATUR
My Chief of Staff, Missy, was able to attend the opening of the City of Decatur’s two year $93 million Brush College/Faries Parkway Overpass Project. The overpass will immediately increase traffic flow for passenger and commercial vehicles, and improve safety and pedestrian access in a busy industrial area. The project was made possible by State, Federal and local partners.
GRAND OPENING OF CHICK FIL A IN FORSYTH
My office was pleased to attend the grand opening of Chick Fil A in Forsyth.
VISIT WITH PAUL OSBOURNE
I was grateful to visit with Paul Osbourne, former Decatur Mayor and current editor of the Decatur Tribune. Paul does an excellent job of working to keep our community informed.
9/11 MEMORIAL
In honor of its 25th anniversary, I joined a local 9/11 memorial. May we never forget.
BN THRIVE ROTARY MEETING
I had the opportunity to attend a BN Thrive Rotary Meeting, featuring guest speaker Katie Buckley from Illinois Extension.
CONGRATS ON YOUR RETIREMENT, DON!
I was happy to honor Don Taylor for his years of service to Corn Belt Energy and wish him a happy retirement!
DOLLY READING DAY
I was pleased to join United Way of Decatur, Mid-Illinois and other community leaders to join in on their “Books in Hearts & Hands” event in honor of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
DEERING ATTENDS WREATH LAYING AT CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL IN DECATUR
Thank you to the veterans from Primient who organized a wreath laying ceremony at the Civil War Memorial. Shoutout to Todd for the history lesson and Prairieland ABATE of Illinois who posted the colors. May we never forget our heroes who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
RAILROAD DAYS IN MONTICELLO
I stopped into Railroad Days at the Monticello Railway Museum. This year marks the museum’s 60th year of preserving and sharing railroad history.
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!
