FIGHTING FOR YOU!

Monthly Daily Journal Column

I have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal once per month during my term. This month's column focuses on Thanksgiving. You can read the full article here!

Around the District & Under the Dome:

Local Business Spotlight

We recognized Sweet Darrens Bakery for the 79th District’s local business spotlight! This is a phenomenal business in our communities to engage students with disabilities and share the joy of life with others through delicious treats and fulfilling work. What a wonderful business to have in our community! https://rephaas.com/.../rep-haas-recognizes-sweet.../

HR 123

CSL has been a terrific community partner, job creator and medical manufacturing facility to help save and improve lives across the world.

ONU Visit 

I was delighted to speak with students from Olivet Nazarene University’s Political Science and Law & Culture department. It was great to hear from these student leaders and speak about the legislative process.

Thank you to Dr. Gregg Chenoweth and staff who met with us to share insight into what the school has been doing and future plans for ONU.

Updates to Professional Licensing

During veto session, we unanimously passed legislation to address the unacceptable professional licensing delays at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. When we work together, we can provide our residents with the efficient and effective state government they deserve.

Veterans' Day Celebration

Thank you to the Kankakee County Veterans Council for inviting me to give the opening message at the Veterans Day ceremony. It was a true honor! Thank you to all veterans for your service and sacrifices.

It was also an honor to attend the unveiling of the Ray Olley Memorial Project. It was humbling to meet Allen J Lynch, US Army recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam and hear him speak. Thank you to all involved in this wonderful project!

It was a great way to end the day with the Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute concert to benefit the services of Project Headspace and Timing and our local veterans!

BBCHS Academic Foundation Dinner

While I was in Springfield for veto session, I’m glad my staff could attend the Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School Academic Foundation dinner. They introduced awards to two alumni and it was a great opportunity to support our phenomenal schools in the 79th District!

Kankakee County CEO meet and Greet 

I had a terrific time at a meet-and-greet with Kankakee County CEO. Our young leaders bring so much potential and we need to support them as they work for a brighter future!

Queen For a Day Luncheon

We enjoyed the Women for Family Farms fall luncheon with the Will County Farm Bureau. It’s great to recognize the amazing women in agriculture in our communities!

Monee Elementary School Visit 

I was delighted to spend some time at Monee Elementary School for their school assembly! What a fun morning with these wonderful students! Thank you to the teachers, staff, and administrators for all you do to educate the next generation of leaders!

Kankakee County Chamber Annual Gala

I had a great evening at the 2023 Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala.  Congratulations to all of the businesses who won award and for your contributions to the district!

Small Business of the Year—Fastsigns of Kankakee

Large Business of the Year—Meijer

New Business of the year—Hunt Services and Consulting, Inc.

Not-for-profit of the year—Project Headspace and Timing

Innovation and Technology—Iroquois County Broadcasting

Manufacturer of the Year—Crown Cork and Seal Co. Inc

Ambassador of the Year—Nicole Burgess

Presidents Award—Barbi Brewer Watson

WIN Scholarship Award Recipient--Natalie Seaton

Other Happenings:

This Month We Honored:

• National Military Family Month
  • National Military Family Month is a time for us to honor the sacrifices made by all military families who support those serving in our Armed Forces. Thank you to military families across the nation for all that you do!
• Dia De Los Muertos
  • Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional holiday that honors those who have passed on by celebrating both life and death. Happy Día de los Muertos to all who celebrate!
• National Adoption Month
  • November is National Adoption Month. This month is aimed at bringing attention to adoption related issues, learning more about the process, and showing support for individuals whose lives have been impacted by adoption.
• Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
  • Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the shelters that provide care to millions of displaced animals each year. The primary goal of many shelters is to find pets a loving home, but they also provide many other services such as unification of lost pets, medical assistance, behavioral training, and more. Thank you to all of the incredible shelters who help these animals every day!
• National STEM/STEAM DAY
  • National S.T.E.M. / S.T.E.A.M. Day calls for the advancement of education in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. These are critical areas in any child’s education and today acts as an important reminder to motivate students in these subjects.
• Veteran's Day
  • Thank you to our veterans for your sacrifice, courage, and commitment to our nation this Veterans Day and always.
• Happy Birthday Marines
  • On November 11, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Marine Corps. 248 years later we honor the dedication and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Marine Corps. Happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps!
• American Education Week
  • American Education Week celebrates the achievements of the American education system, while also reminding us of the need for continued growth and support.
• World Diabetes Day
  • 1 in 10 adults have diabetes and close to half are not diagnosed. World Diabetes Day is a good reminder to adopt and maintain healthy habits. Knowing your risk and what to do is important to support prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
• Rural Health Day 
  • National Rural Health Day honors the incredible healthcare teams that keep rural areas healthy and brings awareness to their continued need for support. Thank you to all of the healthcare workers who help our rural communities!
  • 
• Native American Heritage Month
  • Native American Heritage Month is a time to learn more about the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of America’s native tribes. To learn more about the history of Native American tribes, visit https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

BLOOD DRIVE

I will be hosting a blood drive at the Kankakee Public Library on December 15th from 11-4. You can register here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Haas

NEW BILL ROUNDTABLE

On December 18th from 3-5:30, I will be hosting my annual New Bill Roundtable at my District Office located at 370 E Court Street in Kankakee. I invite you to stop by to discuss any legislation concerns and present ideas for new legislation.

Travelling Office Hours

 Park Forest – Park Forest Public Library (400 Lakewood Blvd.), last Thursday of the month, 10 AM – 1 PM

 Monee – Monee Village Hall (5130 W. Court St.) every Second and Fourth Wednesday , 9 AM – 4 PM