John --
Welcome to my February newsletter.
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 ethics reform. You can read the full article here <[link removed]>!
Budget
This year's budget address was disappointing as it is again far from balanced with a deficit of $775 million for FY25. Instead of proposing cuts to address this deficit, we are seeing increased spending for programs we simply cannot afford. At a time when Illinois citizens are being forced to practice strict budgeting practices due to the current state of our economy, we should be doing the same.
New Bill Alert
A new bill proposed by Democrats would force the Illinois EPA to adopt California emission standards for trucks and surrender state sovereignty to California bureaucrats instead of Illinois lawmakers.
Around the District & Under the Dome:
Happy 75th Birthday Park Forest!
What a wonderful celebration, congratulations!
Valentines For Veterans
Thank you to everyone who made Valentine’s Day cards for my fourth annual Valentine’s for Vets drive!
These cards will bring so much joy to our veterans at Manteno Veteran’s home this year. I am so proud of our community for coming together to help make Valentine’s Day special for so many who deserve it most!
IAPD Legislative Breakfast
Thank you to Illinois Association of Park Districts for the great legislative breakfast. It was great to see representatives from so many park districts in the 79th District! Also thank you to the Tinley Park - Park District for hosting the event this morning!
Rosecrance Ribbon Cutting
Thank you to my staff for attending the ribbon-cutting at the new Kankakee site for Rosecrance while I was in Springfield! Welcome to the neighborhood!
Will County Board Breakfast
I had a wonderful time catching up with friends and colleagues at the Will County Board annual legislative meet and greet breakfast! Thank you to the Will County Board for hosting this event!
Other Happenings:
Sheriffs Association Scholarships
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is awarding college scholarships throughout Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2024-25 academic year. Applications are due by March 15. More Here <[link removed]>
Estate Tax Legislation
The Family Farm Preservation Act is a step forward toward keeping family farms in families when facing Illinois’ burdensome death tax. More Here <The%20Family%20Farm%20Preservation%20Act%20is%20a%20step%20forward%20toward%20keeping%20family%20farms%20in%20families%20when%20facing%20Illinois’%20burdensome%20death%20tax.>
Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association is seeking nominations for standout young farmers for the Illinois 20 Under 40 Awards. Sound like someone you know? Nominate them by March 31. More Here <[link removed]>
This Month We Honored:
- Freedom Day
- Happy Freedom Day! On February 1st, 1865, Illinois became the first state in the union to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.
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- Groundhog Day - Happy Groundhog day! The tradition of this holiday states that if the groundhog emerges and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it does not see a shadow, spring will arrive early.
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- National Wear Red Day -
- Missing Persons Day - As of 2022 there were over 500,000 open missing persons cases in the United States. National Missing Persons Day brings awareness about people that are missing in hopes of increasing the chances that they are found.
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- National Burn Awareness Week - National Burn Awareness Week brings attention to the need for further burn awareness and prevention. This year’s theme is Flammable Liquids Burn, which acts as a reminder that flammable liquids, such as gasoline, can burn while at room temperature.
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- Happy Black History Month - Black History Month is a time to recognize the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans. This month-long celebration has been observed since 1976. The 2024 theme for Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts, which honors and celebrates the influence of African Americans on visual and performing arts, literature, film, music, and more.
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- Boy Scouts Day - On February 9, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was founded in Washington D.C. by William D. Boyce of Ottawa, Illinois. Since then, this organization has grown exponentially and now has chapters throughout the nation!
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- Happy Pizza Day - Happy National Pizza Day! How will you celebrate this holiday...will you grab a slice from your favorite local restaurant or make your own at home?
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- Abraham Lincoln's Birthday - On February 12th, 1809, President Abraham Lincoln was born. President Lincoln had a profound effect on his home state of Illinois, and the entire nation, through his work to end slavery in the United States. Happy birthday, Mr. President!
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- Paczki Day - Paczki Day is a Polish tradition that takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This holiday is celebrated by eating paczki, which is a sugary pastry similar to a donut, as a last indulgence before the beginning of Lent.
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- Happy Valentine’s Day! - Whether it be with friends, family, or your significant other, be sure to spend time with those you love today.
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- National SRO DAY - Recognizing School Resource Officers for their commitment to our students and communities and the work they do to keep our schools safe. Happy SRO Appreciation Day to these dedicated law enforcement officers! Here <[link removed]>
- National Caregivers Day - National Caregivers Day honors the healthcare professionals who provide hospice and long-term care to their patients. These caregivers often provide more than basic healthcare services by caring for the mind and spirit of patients and their families. Thank you to all caregivers for the critical work that you do!
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- Random Acts of Kindness Day - Random Acts of Kindness Day is a day to celebrate and encourage the act of ‘paying it forward’ through spreading kindness to others. Some ways in which you can honor this day are to compliment others, volunteer to help with a task, or make a donation. No matter what you do, be sure to spread a little bit of kindness today!
- Presidents Day - Presidents Day is a holiday meant to honor the Presidents who have led our great nation and to remember the values on which our country was founded. Happy Presidents Day!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Winter Travelling Office Hours
Park Forest – Park Forest Public Library (400 Lakewood Blvd.)- These hours are paused for winter.
Monee – Monee Village Hall (5130 W. Court St.) every Second Wednesday, 9 AM – 12 PM
Jackie Haas
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Office of the Republican Leader - 401 S Second St, Room 316, Springfield, IL 62706, United States
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