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John -- Welcome to my May E-Newsletter. I hope your summer is off to a great start! 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 end of our spring legislative session. You can read the full article here! ComEd Four Trial Today’s court actions indict the culture of corruption that was
allowed to thrive under Speaker Madigan’s inner circle. Illinoisans
should be furious, and nothing has changed in Springfield to prevent
this kind of behavior. We owe our constituents and taxpayers changes
that create real accountability for these reprehensible actions; not
actions like the Democrats’ so-called ethics reform bill that was so
fundamentally flawed, the Legislative Inspector General resigned in
protest.
Unfortunately, though House Republicans introduced dozens of
ethics and corruption reform bills, none have been addressed by
supermajority Democrats. Democrats need to finally get serious about
ethics reform in Illinois and do what’s right for the people of
Illinois.
Ethics Reform
Illinois House Republicans are committed to ending the culture
of corruption in state government through meaningful ethics reform.
Make your voice heard on this issue by taking our ethics reform survey
Making a Difference in Illinois
The House adopted HR169, a resolution I introduced to make
September in Illinois River Clean Up Month. We can all make a
difference by working to keep our waterways clean and I’m proud to see
this resolution adopted to promote this across Illinois in
September.
Mark your calendars, the 41st Kankakee & Iroquois River Clean
Up is on Saturday, September 16th this year! More information on that
can be found online here:
2023 Legislator of the Year
I am honored to be recognized as the Illinois
Association of Community Action Agencies 2023 Legislator of the
Year. As a social worker for over 30 years, I understand the issues
people affected by poverty face. I will continue working in the
General Assembly to assist these individuals with overcoming the
challenges poverty presents to them and help give them the
opportunities to succeed and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Budget Update
I joined Leader McCombie and House Republican leaders in a press
conference providing a budget update. We need to work together to
produce a good budget for our constituents.
 FY24 Partisan Budget
When Illinois families see in their household budgets that
they’re spending more than they’re making, they cut costs. Illinois
Democrats have yet to receive that memo. A responsible budget needs to
keep spending in check, but the Senate sent this budget to us without
an idea of revenue compared to what we’ll be spending. We do know this
spending continues hundreds of millions of Democrat pork projects and
once again includes pay raises for legislators while Illinois families
continue to fight inflation.
Illinois desperately needs a transparent budget process that
seriously takes revenue into consideration, not another
middle-of-the-night failed attempt in producing a balanced budget on
the backs of local governments.
Around the District & Under the Dome:Tourism Grant For Kankakee
What great news that Visit
Kankakee County received over $16,500 in tourism
grants! I look forward to how they will implement this to enrich the
experience of visiting Kankakee County.
Law Enforcement Memorial
We remember the lives of the heroic law enforcement officers in
Illinois who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was an honor to join my
colleagues and Illinois police families to recognize these heroes who
served and gave their lives. It was also an honor to hear from
Kathleen Rittmanic, the sister of fallen Bradley Police Sergeant
Marlene Rittmanic (End of Watch: December 30, 2021).
Thank you, law enforcement, for all you do to serve and protect
our communities. You are appreciated.
   
Firefighter Memorial
I was honored to meet with Bradley Firefighter and Paramedic Kyle
Haemker at the Firefighter Memorial Ceremony where I was able to
present him with a congratulatory certificate from the IL House of
Representatives.
Kyle received the Medal of Honor for 2023 at this year’s Memorial
and Medal of Honor Ceremony.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award given by the State of
Illinois for an act of bravery by which the firefighter demonstrated
courage above and beyond the call of duty. We are so fortunate to have
heroes like him serving the 79th District.
 
IDPH Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced
updated consumption advisories for sport fish caught in Illinois
waters.
Meeting the Consul General of Ireland
It was an honor to meet the Consul General of Ireland,
Kevin Byrne! I'm proud to represent part of Cook County, which is home
to the largest Irish population in the United States.
 Women Leader Lunch
I had the pleasure of hosting several area women leaders for
lunch to network. It was a great time! Thank you to everyone for
coming.
 Mattea's Joy Grand Opening
While I was in Springfield, my staff attended the grand opening
for the new physical location Mattea's Joy. Looking forward to our
work together in the community!
 Medicaid
Illinois Medicaid customers will once again have to renew
their coverage annually starting this month.
Ethics in Illinois
While some politicians argue the laws currently on the
books are enough to protect Illinois from corrupt politicians, it is
obvious to just about everyone else, they are not.
Law Enforcement Memorial
While I was in Springfield, there was a memorial service
for law enforcement officers at the Kankakee County Courthouse that my
staff attended. This National Police Week and always, let’s remember
to show our appreciation for the brave men and women of law
enforcement who serve our communities and remember the
fallen.
 Tick-Borne Illnesses
As weather warms up across the state, keep in mind that
your best defense against tick-borne illness is to avoid contact with
ticks in the first place. Remember to stay away from tick habitats
like tall grasses and leaf litter, wear light colored clothing to help
spot ticks before they bite, use repellent, and regularly check your
skin and clothing for ticks when spending time outdoors.
Fun Around the District
Always great to be back home in district, attending fantastic
events and talking to so many constituents!
 Congratulations to Bradley Fire
Protection District on the opening of Station #2!  Another amazing I Got Your Six
5k run/walk in memory of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and
in honor of honor of Officer Tyler Bailey. Proud to sponsor the 33rd Annual
Rhubarb Festival at the Kankakee County Museum. Fabulous weather and
even better conversations!  
 Brookfield Zoo and Talala Elementary
We had a wild time this May! I was glad to partner with the
Brookfield Zoo to bring the zoo to Talala Elementary School in Park
Forest! The students got to see a python and a baby sloth! Thank you
to Brookfield
Zoo and Talala
Elementary School in Park Forest for allowing us to
host this fun event for 79th District students!
 
   River Valley Metro Ribbon
Cutting
While I was in Springfield, my
staff attended the ribbon cutting for the new River Valley Metro
Kankakee Metro Centre. This is a phenomenal new facility to help
connect Kankakee County constituents with public
transportation!
 Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you to Jim Chappell, Commander, American Legion Koca Post
39 for inviting me to be the guest speaker at this year’s Reed
Township Memorial Day Program. It was a beautiful morning in Braidwood
- such a lovely ceremony and crowd, and the Reed Custer HS musicians
were fantastic!
I also had the pleasure of attending the Kankakee County
Veteran’s Council ceremony on the courthouse lawn. Thank you for
allowing me to participate in the ceremony and say a few words to the
crowd. Always a pleasure to listen to Judge Marlow Jones. Another
lovely ceremony to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you to all those who made it
possible!
God bless our fallen service members, God bless our Gold Star
families, and God bless America
    Local Business
Spotlight
I presented a certificate of recognition to La Delicia owners
Jose and Isabel Rivera for being named my May 2023 Local Business
Spotlight.
A perfect business to recognize as summer is just around the
corner, La Delicia has tasty treats to delight all who grab ice cream
from there. I was delighted to recognize this local business and know
it will be a welcome addition for Kankakee County families in the
summer. Grab a scoop of ice cream or refreshment at La Delicia to beat
the summer heat!
 Other Happenings:This Month we Honored:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:Summer Reading Program
FREE Job Fair
2023 Shapiro Developmental Center Job Fair Dates 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! |
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Jackie Haas State Representative, District 79 |
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