New leader for 88th House District: One-on-one with Rep. Regan Deering

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Regan Deering was sworn into office as the new state representative for the 88th district two weeks ago. WAND News sat down with Deering Thursday to learn more about her goals and how she was influenced by former Rep. Dan Caulkins.

"I ran for office because I'm afraid for the future of Illinois," Deering said. "My family is settled here in Decatur, in Central Illinois. We've got high taxes, high inflation, failing schools and rising crime."

Deering said she is just an average mom that is looking to put power back in the hands of people across the state. The Republican knows the state is facing a potential $3.2 billion budget deficit, and she argues it is time for Democrats to cut spending. Deering said funding for migrant services should be first on the chopping block.

"There's a large dollar amount that's spent on housing, health insurance, and educating those people," Deering said. "They're really putting a strain on our communities, so I think that's a great place to start."

The first days of every General Assembly allow members to file bills to help constituents. Deering stressed that lawmakers need to protect girls this year. She has filed a plan to ban boys from participating in girl's sports. The bill states that school districts must receive a statement verifying a student's age, their biological sex, and that the athlete is not taking performance enhancing drugs.

"I was a biology major. I can understand the biological differences between men and women, and I just don't think the competitive edge is appropriate," Deering said. "I don't think the exposure to one another in commingled locker rooms is appropriate."

It is highly unlikely that the Democratic supermajority will allow that legislation to be heard in a committee hearing, but Deering said lawmakers should be willing to have conversations about social issues. GOP colleagues have also told Deering that Democrats block many conservative plans from being discussed in committees.

"I'm going to have to work hard," Deering said. "I'm going to have to go and gain support for those bills. That means fostering those relationships and having conversations about the policy and why I think it's best for Illinois."

Deering has also filed two bills to help address the teacher shortage by improving licensing and eliminating the educator assessment fee for former first responders entering the field.

The freshman said it is an honor to follow in Caulkins' footsteps.

"People in the 88th are not afraid to give you advice," Deering said. "Anyone I may come in contact with has told me what's their priorities, their concerns, their struggles. I want to continue to have that open line of communication with those in my district."

Deering said she hopes to serve on House education committees, but she is also very interested in the budget appropriations process. State representatives will receive their committee assignments when they return to Springfield next week.