Regan’s Rundown on State Matters: January Edition

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 the first week of Session and how affordability and accountability need to be prioritized, the harmful new energy law that risks safety and affordability for Illinoisans, the benefits of 529 college savings plans, and the kickoff of my second Valentines for Seniors Card Drive.

DEERING SOUNDS ALARM ON AFFORDABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Before Spring Session began, House Speaker Chris Welch claimed that Democrats were working to bring down the cost of living. However, that statement is hard to square with reality given their unreliable track record.

In the last year alone, Democrats have driven up the cost of living through a series of tax hikes and expensive policy decisions by:

• Passing the largest state budget in Illinois history, totally $55.23 billion, with $700 million of that needing to come from new taxes.
• Pushing through an expensive green energy giveaway that is projected to saddle Illinois residents with an $8 billion utility rate increase.
• Opening the door to higher tolls and allowing for a new RTA sales tax hike to hit families in the Chicago area transit bailout.

Unsurprisingly, the first week of Session was not spent working for Illinoisans, rather was wasted on political theater.

"Instead of working on legislation to tackle the issues affecting our state, House Democrats spent the first week of Session introducing non-binding political resolutions," said Rep. Deering. "This came after Speaker Welch said his caucus was ready to work. That is obviously not the case. It is shameful that Illinois lawmakers do not prioritize accountability and affordability for their constituents, but would rather blame the federal government for decades of recklessness and mismanagement."

To view my legislation, click here.

DEERING: OPEN UP THE BOOKS (VIDEO)

During the first week of Session, I spoke out on HR 621, a resolution that condemns the Trump Administration's action to freeze funds for childcare, in response to a fraud scandal in Minnesota. The least Illinois legislators could do is open up the books and show taxpayers that their money is being used ethically and responsibly.

PRITZKER SIGNS 'GREEN NEW GIVEAWAY,' FURTHER HURTING ILLINOISANS

At the beginning of this month, Governor Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA) into law. This new law gives power to unelected bureaucrats, raises energy rates, leads to loss of good paying private union jobs, takes gambles with safe battery storage, risks rights of property owners, reduces local control, and makes our existing energy supply less reliable, all under the guise of "green energy."

As a member of the Energy and Environment Committee, I am keenly aware of the environmentalist push that is crushing not only our manufacturers and businesses, but our home energy crisis.

The brutal cold and winter storms we've seen across Illinois this week serve as an important reminder that energy reliability is crucial for our state. Democrats' "green" energy policies put us at risk of energy shortages while raising costs even higher for Illinois families who are just trying to keep their lights on and their homes warm.

We need real energy reform. Policies that prioritize affordability, reliability, grid stability, and safety. This law was pushed through Veto Session without those priorities in mind and instead catered to core interest groups.

Continue reading here.

DEERING CO-SPONSORS NEW SAFE-T ACT FIX MAKING ALL FELONIES DETAINABLE

The SAFE-T Act needs to be fixed to protect Illinoisans and ensure public safety. One much-needed change proposed by House Republicans would make all felonies detainable. I co-sponsored HB 4275, which would give judges the ability to detain offenders that are accused of a felony offense, something that is not currently in effect under the SAFE-T Act, in hopes of closing the 'revolving door' of crime for repeat offenders.

Continue reading here.

4 MAJOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS ROADS MAKE TOP TEN DEADLIEST ROADS LIST

In a recent survey, four main roads in central Illinois were named among the top 10 deadliest in the state. This finding comes on the heels of Democrats' new Chicago Mass Transit Bailout that robs hundreds of millions from downstate road and bridge projects to fund the city's perpetual poor management. Those funds could have been used to improve road safety across the state, not just in the Chicagoland area.

Read more here.

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged plan that helps families save for education expenses like college and K-12 tuition, as well as apprenticeship programs.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs offers two 529 plans to Illinoisans, the Bright Start and Bright Directions, but also administers a newly launched program, Illinois First Steps, which provides a $50 seed deposit for eligible children to jump start their college savings journey through either Bright Start or Bright Directions.

To learn more about the 529 college savings plans offered here in Illinois and the advantages, visit the Illinois Treasurer's website.

DEERING HOSTS VALENTINES FOR SENIORS CARD DRIVE | JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 9

I am hosting my second Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. Although it may seem small, making and delivering Valentine's Day cards to our seniors is a great way to remind them that they are valued in the community. Last year's event was a success, and I am excited to kick off this year's drive!

My office is accepting cards between now and February 9th. No appointment is needed to drop off cards. I encourage everyone to participate.

Cards may be dropped off at or mailed to: State Representative Regan Deering, 419 E. Ash Ave., Decatur, IL 62526.

REMINDER: TAKE MY 2026 LEGISLATIVE SURVEY

In order to be your voice in Springfield, I need to know the issues that matter most to you. Your responses to these survey questions will help guide my work in Springfield.

Please take a couple of minutes to take my legislative survey. You may complete the paper version and mail it back or you may complete it online by visiting RepDeering.com.

Thank you to those who have already taken the time to share your thoughts and ideas with me.

SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK | JANUARY 25-31, 2026

School choice is incorrectly pitted as a public school versus private school issue. It's not. It's a children's issue. Our kids deserve to be educated in the best school for them and their family regardless of their zip code or ability to pay. Let's keep working to offer diverse options for Illinois families.

TOI SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Township Officials of Illinois announced their 2026 Scholarship application is open now through March 2, 2026, for any high school senior planning to attend an Illinois college or university.

Learn more at https://www.toi.org. Send completed applications to [email protected]. With questions, please contact TOI at (217) 744-2212 or email [email protected].

SNAPSHOTS

DEERING RECOGNIZES LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY: JANUARY 9

Today we say thank you to the brave men and women of law enforcement for their unwavering commitment to safety and their communities. Happy Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP MEETING

At the end of January, I attended the Clinton Township meeting to give a brief state update. Nearly 300 new laws took effect on January 1, and much more is to come as we head back into the Spring Session.

CISCO FIRE PROTECTION PANCAKE BREAKFAST

I attended the Cisco Fire Protection's Pancake Breakfast last Saturday and took the opportunity to talk to Chief Wilhelm and his team about funding and resource needs for rural communities.

U OF I CHANCELLOR'S ANNUAL SPRING LEGISLATIVE SESSION KICKOFF LUNCHEON

In mid-January, I traveled to the Champaign-Urbana area to attend the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign's Chancellor's Spring Legislative Session Luncheon. There, I met the new Chancellor, Charles L. Isbell Jr. Thank you to UIUC for putting on this event, it is always a great opportunity to meet with fellow legislators.

TOUR OF NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAIL YARD IN DECATUR

Earlier this month, I took a tour of the Norfolk Southern rail yard located in Decatur. This is the largest flat switching year in Northern America. It was a great opportunity to learn more about freight transportation and the railroad industry.

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!