State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur is pushing back against recent claims from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, saying state leaders are ignoring the financial strain facing Illinois families.

Deering released a statement criticizing what she called a “self-congratulatory” list of accomplishments from the Governor’s Office, arguing that rising costs and taxes are making Illinois increasingly unaffordable.

Deering says Illinois homeowners continue to face the highest property taxes in the nation, while families are also dealing with higher grocery, utility, and everyday living costs. She adds that Illinois carries the highest combined state and local tax burden in the country, taking a larger share of household income than any other state.

The Decatur Republican also pointed to unemployment concerns, saying Black unemployment in Illinois remains among the highest nationwide, calling it a failure of state policy.

Deering argues that residents are leaving Illinois not because of weather, but because of affordability issues, and criticized the governor for prioritizing what she described as Chicago-focused spending over local needs like public safety, lower energy costs, and property tax relief.

In her statement, Deering said families are less concerned with national political ambitions and more focused on whether they can afford to remain in Illinois.

The Governor’s Office has not yet responded directly to Deering’s remarks.