Macon Reporter

State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur has raised concerns about the expansion of Illinois government and transparency in budget processes through an op-ed published in the Chicago Tribune. As the General Assembly prepares to approve a substantial budget, Deering cautions that Illinois families are facing higher costs while receiving fewer benefits.

Deering draws on her experience as a small business owner and nonprofit leader to highlight differences between practical budgeting and what she perceives as issues within Springfield's system. She emphasizes, “In the real world, when money runs out, you prioritize. You stretch. You reform. But not in Springfield.”

Her critique extends to programs like Medicaid, which she argues have expanded without sufficient oversight or accountability. “Medicaid was designed to be a safety net for the most vulnerable, not a permanent crutch for a system that refuses to reform,” Deering stated. She further asserts that "unlimited spending" is indicative of leadership failures rather than compassion.

Deering advocates for significant reforms focused on balanced budgets without tax increases, property tax relief, honest budgeting practices, and program audits for efficiency and impact. Her vision aims to redirect taxpayer funds towards tangible results instead of political rhetoric.

For further inquiries, Rep. Deering can be contacted at (217) 876-1968 or via her website at RepDeering.com. The full op-ed is available in the Chicago Tribune under the title: "Illinois Doesn’t Need a Bigger Government — It Needs a Better One."