John --

Welcome to my April newsletter.

Please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding state issues. We’re here to help!

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 being civically engaged. You can read the full article Here! <[link removed]>

Bills

I am proud to say that four bills I filed have moved out of committee this week. All of these bills received unanimous, bipartisan support. These bills will support law enforcement, crack down on dangerous drugs, address our daycare shortages, and regulate sign usage on private property.

To read more about these bills, click the link below!

Here! <[link removed]>



HB 5174

The passage of House Bill 5174 is a huge win for law enforcement officers and school safety. This bill will incentivize retired law enforcement officers to return to work as school safety officers by ensuring their pension benefits are not suspended. Here <[link removed]>

HB 4059

House Bill 4059 is the first step in addressing the critical shortage of licensed daycare providers in the state of Illinois. This bill ensures the Department of Children and Family Services continues to host at least two licensing orientation programs in each district for individuals interested in becoming daycare providers. Here <[link removed]>



Around the District & Under the Dome:

IFRW Legislative Conference

I had the pleasure of speaking along with colleagues Leader Tony McCombie and Representative La Ha at the IFRW Leadership Conference in Peoria today. Thank you to the Illinois Federation of Republican Women for the invitation! It was great to see so many women from my district and across the state!



Happy Retirement

I was so honored to join family and friends in celebrating Cora Woods as she embarks on a much-deserved new journey of retirement!













Springfield Visitors

I got to meet with many advocacy groups and individuals including a great group of Kankakee realtors and the Birth to Five team. Also met with the Consul General of Japan! We’re getting things done in committees and starting to get bills moving on the house floor!

















Kankakee County CEO Tradeshow



Local Business Spotlight

For my April 2024 Local Business Spotlight, I am recognizing Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator in Park Forest because of their dedication to helping our community grow! The inspiration for this business came from the owner, Fershawnda Green, in 2018 after her experience driving to Chicago every day to utilize a shared kitchen space. Not only has Fershawnda worked to grow her own business, but she has dedicated her effort to helping other up-and-coming entrepreneurs in our <>community. I applaud her continued contributions to other area businesses and look forward to seeing Poppin Plates expand in the future!



Americans for Prosperity

Thank you to Americans for Prosperity for welcoming me to their event in Bourbonnais! It was an honor to speak with you about the status of the budget and pending legislation.



Drug Take BackDay

Thank you to everyone who came out to our prescription drug take-back event! We were thrilled to see so many people stop by to safely dispose of their expired and unused medications to make our communities safer!



GEDC Legislative Breakfast

Thank you to the Grundy Economic Development Council for hosting a legislator breakfast!

It’s always great to answer questions from constituent stakeholders and to have the chance to give an update on what’s happening in Springfield alongside my colleagues from the House and the Senate!





Braidwood Clean Energy Center Tour

My team and I had an incredible opportunity to tour the Braidwood nuclear plant! This plant provides hundreds of local jobs and affordable, reliable energy for the region. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us to this facility!



Other Happenings:

Remembering Ellen Martin

On April 6th, 1891, Ellen Martin became the first woman to vote in the state of Illinois. Ellen demanded to cast her vote, citing that local law did not use the word ‘male’ but instead said all citizens ‘above the age of 21 years’ were eligible to vote.



New DCFS Director

DCFS needs strong leadership and stability to end the systemic problems at the agency. We cannot continue to fail our state's most vulnerable children. Their safety and well-being must be a top priority. HERE! <[link removed]>

Illinois Enabling Act

On April 18, 1818, the Illinois Enabling Act was passed in Congress. This Act provided for the organization of a state government, established the northern boundary of Illinois, and created a permanent school fund from a portion of public land sales proceeds.



This Month We recognized:

- National Public Health Week - National Public Health Week recognizes the importance of public health. This year’s theme, “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health,” reminds us that we are all responsible for improving public health in our communities.
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- National Child Abuse Prevention Month - National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to bring awareness to this issue and to honor and uplift the survivors of child abuse and neglect. Knowing the signs, such as sudden changes in behavior and unexplained injuries, can be a powerful tool to combat child abuse.
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- Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action. Those who want to support this day of action are encouraged to wear teal to raise awareness and educate others about sexual assault.
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- School Librarian Day - School librarians work hard to assist students with finding resources and creating a welcoming learning environment for everyone. On National School Librarian Day, make sure to thank your school librarian for all they do.
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- Gold Star Spouses Day - Gold Star Spouses Day honors the spouses of military members who died in service to our nation. In honor of this day, I want to share an important local initiative led by Life Scout Alexis McCullough. Alexis is raising money to construct a Gold Star Memorial in honor of her father who passed away while on active duty. You can read more about Alexis' mission below.
- Here! <[link removed]>


- National Library Week - Happy National Library Workers Day to all the incredible library staff who work to keep our libraries running. From assisting with research to recommending books, library staff are a valuable part of our communities!
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- Happy National Pets Day!

- Although I dearly miss my beloved past family pets, here’s to living vicariously through my adult kids!

My daughter’s two cats, Binx and Winnie, and my son’s dog Peachy


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- National Financial Literacy Month - National Financial Literacy Month is a great reminder to check and improve your financial wellness! Whether you have just begun your financial journey or have been saving for decades, learning more about financial literacy is for everyone.
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- Happy National Public Safety

Telecommunicators Week, April 14-20, 2024!

- This week we honor the men and women behind the scenes, on the other end of the phone, who help keep us all safe.

Thank you to all of our 911 dispatchers for the difficult work you all do each and every day!


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- National Lineman Day - National Lineman Appreciation Day honors the hard work done by the men and women who keep the power on for all Americans. Linemen work around the clock, often in dangerous conditions, to keep our communities running. Thank you to Linemen for all that you do!
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- Volunteer Recognition Day - April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day. This day is a way to thank all the volunteers who have contributed their time and effort to make our communities a better place. Thank you to volunteers for the hard work you do for others!
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- Happy Earth Day! - Today is a great reminder that we need to do the work to keep our planet healthy. You can get involved by recycling, cleaning up your local park, or repurposing items for new uses.
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- Happy Passover - Happy Passover to all who will begin this holy celebration!
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- Arbor Day - Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to planting and appreciating trees for future generations. Trees are not only a beautiful part of nature, but they also provide critical materials and resources for our world. Happy Arbor Day!
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- Independent Bookstores Day - Independent bookstores across the nation will host special events to celebrate National Independent Bookstore Day. Join in the festivities by visiting your local independent bookstore today.
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- National Superhero Day - Created by Marvel Comics in 1995, National Superhero Day honors the real and fictional people who serve and protect us. Superheroes inspire the best in us all and remind us of the importance of bravery and perseverance.
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- National Zipper Day - Happy National Zipper Day! Did you know the first zipper-like device was invented by Chicago native Whitcomb Judson in 1893? The device was later improved upon by Swedish-American engineer Gideon Sundbach who officially coined the term ‘zipper’.



Funding Opportunity

Notice of Funding Opportunity Available! Scan the QR code for more information. Applications close May 3rd at 4:00 PM.







MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Village of Monee and Rep. Haas Free Shred Event

June 1, 9 am-11 am
5130 w Court St, Monee, IL 60449

Haas Job Fair

June 5, 9 am-Noon
Knights of Columbus 
187 S Indiana Ave, Kankakee, IL 60901

Blood Drive

June 7, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Bourbonnais Municipal Center
700 Main St NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914









Travelling Office Hours

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

Monee – Monee Village Hall (5130 W. Court St.) every Second and Fourth 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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