Welcome to my e-newsletter!
As your State Representative, I want to provide you with updates about what is going on in Springfield and around the 88th.
In this issue, I discuss what happened during Veto Session, recap a recent press conference I participated in to call out the Governor, highlight my upcoming Mobile DMV event, and show you what I have been doing in the 88th District.
VETO RECAP
Veto Session ended on the morning of Halloween, proving to be one of the most expensive in Illinois state history. Legislation regarding “fixing” the Chicagoland transit funding with a $2.5 billion price tag, an $8 billion energy fix under the guise of what Democrats call “clean energy’,” and the decoupling from federal taxes all took priority over the real problems plaguing our state.
Illinoisans deserve much better. I will keep fighting against the awful legislation put forth by Illinois Democrats.
Read more here.
DEERING PARTICIPATES IN PRESS CONFERENCE TO CALL OUT GOVERNOR
Earlier this month, I held a press conference with my colleague, Deputy Leader Amy Elik to call out Governor JB Pritzker for his political posturing. In September, Governor Pritzker directed his agencies in Executive Order 2025-05 to identify immediate spending reductions but blamed the Trump Administration rather than his own for the need to rein in spending. Governor Pritzker gave his agencies a deadline of October 23rd to identify areas to cut.
“As a first-year legislator, I came into the budgeting process hopeful. Hopeful that maybe my Democrat colleagues would recognize the seriousness of our state’s financial crisis and rein in spending where we could,” began Rep. Deering. “Unfortunately, we all saw how that panned out. Another bloated budget signed, spending nearly $2 billion more than the year before. More taxes, more spending, and less opportunities for hardworking Illinoisans.”
“In Springfield, the budgeting process is not based in reality because in the real world, when money gets tight, businesses and families prioritize, stretch, and reform, not rely on hopeful revenue streams to close the gaps,” continued Rep. Deering. “The Illinois families I talk to have to balance their own budgets at home and spend within their means. The government should simply be required to do the same.”
Earlier this year, I filed HB 3792 to require the government to, at the very least, pass a budget that is balanced. The measure remains in the Rules Committee.
“Instead of eyeing a bid for higher office, Governor Pritzker needs to do the job he was elected to here in Illinois. We are ranked at the top of almost every tax list published. And for what? To fund shortfalls in Chicago? To support pay raises for legislators? To give illegal aliens top-of-the-line benefits? It’s shameful that our Governor gets away with smoke and mirror tactics, dangling Executive Orders in the faces of Illinoisans to score cheap political points,” concluded Deering.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Governor’s Office in an attempt to learn what work is being done to identify the Governor’s required cuts, but it was declined. The Governor’s Office cited ‘internal deliberations’ as the reason why the proposed spending reductions were not made public.
DEERING VOTES YES ON SENIOR PROPERTY TAX MEASURE
Since taking office, one of the biggest issues faced by my constituents is the property tax burden here in Illinois.
During Veto Session, I was proud to vote in favor of lowering taxes for seniors. SB 642 raises the maximum annual income to be eligible for certain state property tax relief programs to $75,000 for taxable year 2026. The current annual income limit is $65,000 and has not increased since 2017.
Although we are a long way from providing adequate tax relief, this is a small step in the right direction.
Continue reading here.
MANDATORY MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS IN IL SCHOOLS CHALLENGED
America First Legal has filed a federal complaint asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate a new law requiring annual student mental health screenings in Illinois schools without parental consent. I shared my thoughts in an interview with the Center Square.
“As a mom, I’m concerned about the growing number of mandates coming out of Springfield that are removing parents from decisions about our own children.”
Read more here.
DIGITAL IDs AVAILABLE FOR iPHONE USERS
As of November 19th, iPhone users can add a digital Illinois ID to their Apple Wallet. The Illinois Secretary of State’s website offers a comprehensive step-by-step guide, FAQ section, and video that delves into the process. Some restrictions apply.
To learn more, visit ilsos.gov.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE PASSES LEGISLATURE, URGING GOV. TO VETO
During Veto Session, SB 1950, which creates the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients passed the Illinois General Assembly. The bill legalizes physician-assisted suicide in our state, allowing patients to self-administer end-of-life medication under certain circumstances.
Compassionate end-of-life care is a necessity, but there are some serious ethical and medical risks to this legislation. That is why I am urging Gov. Pritzker to veto this measure.
We need to expand other options such as access to hospice, palliative care, mental health services, and support for caregivers, not legalize assisted suicide.
If you agree, sign my petition to tell the Governor to stop physician-assisted suicide in Illinois.
ARCHIVES GRANT AWARDED TO MAROA-FORSYTH SCHOOL DISTRICT IN 88TH DISTRICT
Congratulations to the Maroa-Forsyth School District for being awarded an Archives Grant by the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. The grant was awarded to preserve film and photo collections and school board meeting minutes from the 1930s and 1940s.
“This is a great way to ensure the great history of our state remains safeguarded for many generations to come,” said Rep. Deering.
MOBILE DMV COMING TO FORSYTH
I am hosting a Mobile DMV event with the Illinois Secretary of State on Friday, December 5th from 10 am until 2 pm at the Forsyth Public Library, in the Community Room.
Many services will be offered, including:
- Renewal/Correction of driver’s license
- New/Renewal/Correction of State ID
- Vehicle sticker sales
- Organ/tissue donor information and registration
- Motor voter registration
- Real ID applications
No cash is accepted, and driver’s tests will not be administered. Seniors aged 78 and older must visit a DMV to renew their driver’s license.
Appointments are required. To secure yours, visit the link below or call (217) 876-1968.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Happy Thanksgiving to the 88th District. Wishing you and yours a warm and restful holiday.
My office will be closed from Wednesday, November 26th and we will return on Monday, December 1st.
SNAPSHOTS
DIWALI CELEBRATION IN BLOOMINGTON- NORMAL
It was an honor to be included in a beautiful celebration for Diwali by the Tamil community in Bloomington Normal. I was delighted to join families who showcased traditional dances, signing and drumming. The sounds and colors were gorgeous.
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL YMCA STRONG KIDS BREAKFAST
The Bloomington Normal YMCA Strong Kids Breakfast focused on community, and I could not agree with the message more. We must be building strong communities full of caring people who look to serve their neighbors.
DEERING RECOGNIZES VETERANS DAY
I was honored to celebrate a group of Veterans in the 88th District. Folks gathered for a shared meal and a program to highlight the sacrifices made by our military. In places like Arrowsmith, love of country is not something you talk about. It is something you live. Service runs in families. When America calls, people here answer.
MOVING MACON COUNTY FORWARD
Moving Macon County forward was top of mind for all those celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new Decatur Moves program. Many kudos to City of Decatur’s Lacie Elzy who has spearheaded the project in response to residents’ desire for optimal use of public transportation.
Deputy Director of Transit for the Illinois Department of Transportation Shoun Reese noted the collaboration among City, County, State, and Federal partners who see the benefits of connecting people to work and life through transportation.
Check out more information about the program and how to book a ride at www.decaturmoves.com.
IMSA TOUR
Last week, I joined colleagues for a luncheon at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). I am truly impressed with the 14 students from the 88th District attending IMSA. I greatly enjoyed the tour of the campus and the chance to hear about their studies.
HEART OF ILLINOIS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EVENT
Today I was invited to join the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation to celebrate the generosity of an angel donor to the Clinton community. The gifts recognize the quiet, humble spirit of Central Illinois, where giving happens not for applause, but because it’s the right thing to do.
In public service, I am constantly reminded that the government cannot do what strong communities and faithful organizations can. Congratulations to the Neighborhood Care Center, Encore Services, and Clinton Community YMCA for recognition of all you do to be a lifeline to those who need support. May we all be inspired to continue to support our community partners who quietly and faithfully hold our communities together.
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!
