STATE REPRESENTATIVE · DISTRICT 79
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November 2025: Hear from Haas
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Hello and Happy November!
I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. Unfortunately for us legislators, we were in for quite a fright this Halloween when we stayed on the House floor until 2:30 AM as Illinois Democrats pushed through several bad bills that mean more taxes for everyone.
Here are a few of the main takeaways from the bills passed during veto session:
- $2.5 billion Chicago transit bailout, including millions stolen from our road improvement lockbox fund.
- Another "green" energy package that will only lead to less reliable and more expensive energy.
- More restrictions around immigration enforcement, which only creates dangerous situations for law enforcement and our communities.
I proudly voted no on all of these bad policies. We should be tackling property tax reform, lowering energy costs, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, Illinois Democrats voted to make all of those problems worse for working families.
Thankfully, taxpayers can take a breath for the next few months before we head to Springfield after the New Year for our 2026 spring legislative session.
As always, stay tuned to this e-newsletter for monthly updates. Please reach out to my office at any time with questions, comments, or concerns.
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Help us make holiday magic for children in our community this year at our 40th Annual Fill the Bus Toy Drive! This drive will take place on Saturday, November 29th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bradley. Donations will be accepted at the River Valley Metro Bus located in the front parking lot.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed by local community organizations. Together, we can make a difference and ensure every child gets a gift this holiday season.
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October Local Business Spotlight: Vaughn's Outlet
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For my October Local Business Spotlight, I am honored to feature Vaughn Outlet as this month’s Local Business Spotlight. The Vaughn family has shown resilience and commitment by reopening their store and continuing to serve our community with a focus on working families.
Vaughn Outlet has been part of the Kankakee area for decades, with deep roots as a family-run business. After a brief closure, Steven Vaughn reopened the store in 2011 to carry forward their family’s legacy, with his father Jeff joining in 3 years later. Today, the business is supported by four full-time staff, all members of the Vaughn family, who share the same goal of providing quality products at a cost families can afford.
It’s inspiring to see a family so dedicated to keeping their business thriving for generations. Vaughn Outlet represents the kind of hard work and community spirit that makes Kankakee such a special place.
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Around the District & Under the Dome
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We had so much fun attending the Halloween Happenings event in Monee! This is always such a great event and we enjoy participating in the trunk or treat festivities with the community!
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It was my honor to attend the NAACP Annual Gala! I had the chance to listen to speakers and catch up with other local leaders. Congratulations on another successful gala!
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My office had such a fun time at the Bradley Trunk or Treat event! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate!
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Harbor House Candlelight Vigil
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I attended the annual Harbor House candlelight vigil in honor of the victims lost to domestic violence. Hosted every October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this vigil is a time to remember the lives taken by domestic violence and recommit ourselves to fighting these horrific crimes.
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Kankakee Chamber Women in Networking Luncheon
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The Kankakee Chamber of Commerce hosted a Women in Networking Luncheon. It was a wonderful opportunity for women to network and make connections with other women leaders across sectors! Thank you for inviting my office to attend!
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My office attended the KIFAR (Kankakee, Iroquois, Ford Association of Realtors) Mayor’s Breakfast. This was a great collaboration between local stakeholders and our elected officials across the region.
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Riverside Healthcare Physical Therapy Center Grand Opening
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Congratulations to the new Riverside Healthcare Physical Therapy center on your grand opening! We are so excited to have this new healthcare service in our community!
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It was my honor to speak at the annual conference hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I spoke alongside my legislative colleagues as we discussed some key areas in mental and behavioral healthcare policy. It was a pleasure to have an open, bipartisan dialogue about mental health in Illinois!
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Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Certificate
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While in Springfield, I was incredibly honored to be given a certificate of recognition from the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for my continued support of policies to benefit those in our community with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This is such an important issue, and I look forward to continuing my advocacy here in Springfield!
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We had a great time celebrating Halloween at the Downtown Kankakee Trunk or Treat event! Always enjoy celebrating the season and getting to see all the creative costumes!
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University Park Logistics Center Groundbreaking
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My office attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the new University Park Logistics Center. Congratulations to everyone who worked on this project to bring more development to the University Park community!
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I met with officials from IDOT District 3 to discuss some concerns constituents have raised within this section for IDOT in the 79th district. We had a productive discussion about ways to address these issues and move forward.
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The annual Boilermaker Fall Games, hosted at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, were a huge hit! This event celebrates students with disabilities and those with special needs from various schools in our community. It was a great time for everyone!
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Hippocrates Medical Center Drug Take Back
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by the prescription drug take back event at Hippocrates Medical Center in Kankakee! Together, we are keeping our community safe by ensuring medications are disposed of properly. It was a pleasure to work alongside Hippocrates and our other co-sponsors on this event!
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Kankakee Chamber State of the Municipality Event
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My team and I attended the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce State of the Municipality event. They shared information about the status of things in the municipalities, along with future projects for our community. What a wonderful event!
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Schuyler Avenue Mural Dedication
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Local artist and art teacher at Kankakee School District, Michael Costanza, along with Mary Bass and Fermin Barbosa, created an incredible mural at 253 N. Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee! This mural is a fantastic addition to our community, and my office was proud to attend the dedication ceremony in support of this project!
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Monee Fireman's Park Ribbon Cutting
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The Monee Fireman’s Park is officially open! My office attended the official ribbon cutting ceremony for this great new facility that will be enjoyed for generations in our community.
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Lynne Nofke Retirement Celebration
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Congratulations to Lynne Nofke on your retirement! Lynn served our community as the Limestone Township Library District Director for 15 years. This retirement party was a well-deserved recognition of Lynne’s career!
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Optical Edge Ribbon Cutting
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Congratulations to Optical Edge on your ribbon cutting! This new optometrist office is now open at 372 Larry Power Road, Suite 1, in Bourbonnais.
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Looking to visit one of Chicago’s world-class museums for free? Utilize my office’s Museum Resource Card Request Form to request your card for up to four (4) people.
Submissions must be completed at least three days in advance of the date being requested. Click here to access the form.
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📌 November 12 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌 November 29 – Fill the Bus Toy Drive
Dick's Sporting Goods Parking Lot | 2054 IL-50, Bourbonnais | 10 AM – 1 PM
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Talk to you soon,
State Representative Jackie Haas
District 79
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