|
|||
|
John -- Welcome to my April E-Newsletter. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Below are some updates! FIGHTING FOR YOU!Monthly Daily Journal ColumnI have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal once per month during my term. This month's column focuses on the budget. You can read the full article here: April Column SAFE-T ACT Now that oral arguments have been heard by the Illinois Supreme Court about the SAFE-T Act, we await the Justices' ruling on the constitutionality of this deeply flawed law. Read more here: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/whats-next-for-the-safe-t-act-after-illinois-supreme-court-hears-arguments/3100582/?amp=1 Session We are back in Springfield this month for Session! We’ll be working for the next month leading to our May 19th adjournment. Follow along at ILGA.gov this month and be sure to reach out to my office to make your voice heard on issues and legislation that matter to you!
State Budgeting The most basic rule of budgeting is that you can't spend more than you take in. Instead of following this simple principle, Democrats have been "balancing" their out-of-control spending by raising taxes. Our residents deserve relief. It's time to rein in state spending, get our fiscal house in order, and finally reduce taxes in Illinois. GRANTS AND FUNDINGDCEO Grant OpportunityThe Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity has announced $175 million in Back to Business
Grants for restaurants, hotels, and creative arts organizations will
soon be available.
The application period will open on
April 5th and run through May
10th. Information on how to apply is available
here:
Carl Bell Scholarship OpportunityThe Illinois Psychiatric Society (IPS) is currently accepting submissions for the Carl C. Bell, MD Memorial Award Essay Contest. The topic for this year’s essay is: What does mental health mean to you, your peers and/or your community? Do you feel mental health has been affected by societal factors such as healthcare inequity, community violence, post-pandemic anxiety, isolation, or racial injustice? Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2023. The award recipient will receive a $500 cash prize and will be presented at the 2023 IPS Annual Meeting and published in “Mind Matters,” the official IPS newsletter publication. For Guidelines and how to apply please visit: illinoispsychiatricsociety.org/carl-bell-award B2B GrantsNew B2B Grants will be available beginning April 5th and run through May 10th. This grant is specifically targeted for:
You can read more about the grant here: dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/b2b IDOT Grant The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for a competitive grant program that aims to expand safe, equitable access to public transportation throughout the state. $2.5 million, with awards averaging $200,000 and requiring a 20% non-federal match. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 24. For more information please visit: illinois.gov/press-release
Around the District & Under the Dome:BBCHS WinsCongratulations to the Bradley-Bourbonnais
Community High School District 307 Unified Basketball Team
for making school history by winning the IHSA Unified Basketball
Division I State Finals!
It was an honor to attend the celebration and present
certificates from the Illinois House of Representatives to all the
athletes and coaches congratulating you on this wonderful
achievement!
  Ag and Conservation Tour
Thank you to the Kankakee
County Soil and Water Conservation District for
putting this event together. My staff enjoyed meeting with local
farmers to discuss practices that reduce erosion and increase
environmental health.
   It's Time to Regain TrustIt is important now more than ever that we call out bad
behavior in Springfield as we work to rebuild our state's reputation
and earn the trust of our residents. Following proper legislative
process is essential to building an honest, transparent government for
the people of Illinois.
Being Prepared for Severe WeatherWith severe weather expected in Illinois, it's important we are
all prepared for severe storms and tornadoes. Do you know the
difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
 Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss
your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready
to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is
approaching. Tornado Warning: Take Action! A
tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is
imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the
lowest floor of a sturdy building.
 Canadian National Railway DemonstrationCanadian National Railway hosted a site visit to a Wayside
Detector in Monee. Excited that this demonstration was located in the
79th District!
It was a very informative discussion for myself, my staff, public
safety personnel and officials surrounding the safety measures in
place to keep our trains moving safely and efficiently. Thank you to
CN for this great discussion!
 Spring Cleaning Safety TipsThank you to the Illinois State Fire Marshal for these
helpful safety tips. Check out this chart before you start your spring
cleaning to prevent accidentally mixing the wrong chemicals
together.
 Social Security BenefitsAre you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or
already receiving them? Did you know you can also receive healthy
meals and other nutrition services through the National Senior
Nutrition Program? thesouthern.com/social-security
CSL Ribbon CuttingCSL Plasma is now open in Bradley and will help save many lives
with plasma donations. If you are eligible to donate plasma, please
consider making it a part of your day to day routine. Your donation
will make a difference!
The center is located at 725 N. Kinzie Avenue, Bldg
201, in Bradley, and their hours of
operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through
Fridays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and
Sundays.
 Work Zone AwarenessIn 2020, 857 people were killed and more than 44,000 were injured
in work zone crashes. You can stay safe while traveling through work
zones by following a few tips:
 Research your route to prepare
for work zones Stay focused and avoid
distractions whenever you are driving but especially in work
zones SLOW DOWN Give road workers plenty of
room and be prepared to stop when entering a work zone Keep your distance from other
vehicles to avoid rear-end crashes Emerging Women Leadership EventIt was an honor to recognize Jasmyne Humble and Mariah Vail
at our Emerging Women Leaders event in Springfield. Both these women
do incredible things for 79th District families and ensure they have
better lives. They deserve this recognition and so much
more!
 Fishing License
Do you have your Illinois fishing license yet? Licenses for the
2023 season are on sale now!
Rx Drug Take Back EventWe had a fantastic prescription drug drop off event in
Bourbonnais! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to safely dispose
of your expired or unused prescription drugs.
 Mississippi Clean-UpThank you to my constituents for going to Rolling Fork,
Mississippi to help clean-up after the devastating tornado. Proud to
represent these compassionate people!
 Local Business Spotlight
April's Local Business Spotlight goes to Brian's Place in Monee!
This local restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat and play
some sand volleyball in the summer! It was terrific to honor their
work in the 79th District. https://rephaas.com/.../rep-haas-names-april-local.../
 Other Happenings:This Month We Honored:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:Summer Reading Program
FREE Job Fair
2023 Shapiro Developmental Center Job FairDates and Times: May 15th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm July 19th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm September 20th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm Location: 100 East Jeffrey Street Kankakee, IL 60901
 Contact Me:As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office to express your views and opinions on legislative matters. I promise to be approachable, accessible, and accountable. I will fight for you, your family, and your business! |
|||
|
|||
|
Jackie Haas State Representative, District 79 |
|||
|
