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John -- Welcome to my January Newsletter! The 79th District no longer looks like it did last year. To those of you who are new, WELCOME! I look forward to meeting each of you and supporting you as your State Representative and Friend! If you have any questions or concerns about state issues, please reach out to my office. I am here to serve you! FIGHTING FOR YOU!
Lame Duck Session
We were on the House Floor until nearly 1:00am debating two
pieces of legislation that will have huge impacts across our state. As
we close out this term and look forward to the next, I am hopeful that
there will be greater bipartisanship and a better process that allows
for dialogue on the issues before a vote is taken, especially for
those that will have a lasting mark on our state and future
generations.
Illinois already has the most permissive abortion rights laws in
the country, but the Democrat led chamber voted to further expand this
through a number of changes, none of which protect minor children or
give parents the right to know about medical procedures for their
minor children. I voted against Senate Bill 1534 (HFA 4).
A gun control measure was also pushed through by Chicago area
Democrats: an effort to ban firearms in Illinois. This law prevents
law-abiding citizens from accessing and using dozens of commonly used
firearms that people use to protect themselves, their families, and
their property, as well as hunt, target shoot and competition shoot.
Gun bans like this do nothing to take illegal guns off of the street,
improve public safety, or address the underlining issues behind gun
violence that plagues our state—especially Chicago. I voted against
the latest firearm ban under SB 2226 because it is unconstitutional
and will make law-abiding gun owners criminals.
 Inauguration
On January 11th I was sworn into office to represent the people
of the 79th District in the Illinois House for the 103rd General
Assembly. It was a great day surrounded by friends, family, staff, and
colleagues! As we enter this new term, I am focused on issues that
affect not only our great state but my district at home. My priorities
will focus on public safety, health care, and economic development for
the 79th District –as well as ensuring constituents’ voices are
continually heard. Let's get to work!!
   Assistant Republican Leader
On January 12 I was named an Assistant Republican Leader.
It’s an honor to be named to the leadership team and I am as motivated
as ever to work alongside my fellow leaders in our Republican caucus
to get to work. There is no shortage of issues we need to address to
keep moving our state forward, and I am well-equipped to start having
those productive conversations that will get us started.
 New Laws
This year, there are 184 new laws that took effect on January
1st. Here are some that you should know:
Around the District & Under the Dome:DCFS Scholarships
The Department of Children and Family Services is currently
accepting applications for the 2023 DCFS Scholarship Program for
current and former youth in care! The scholarship package includes: a
full tuition and mandatory fee waiver to any community college,
university, or college maintained by the State of Illinois, a monthly
grant payment, start-up grant and a medical card.
 Get the application here: https://www2.illinois.gov/.../CFS%20438_Scholarship...
More info here: https://www2.illinois.gov/.../memo-to-2023-scholarship...
Local Business Spotlights:
 Kiwanis Club
On January 13th I was able to join my fellow Kiwanis Club of
Kankakee members to volunteer with helping some local students get a
new pair of shoes
 . Such a blessing to see the joy
on their faces as they get to pick out a new pair of shoes for
themselves . 
Human trafficking Awareness month
January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month and a reminder that
we can all do our part to recognize and report human trafficking. KNOW
THE SIGNS. A trafficked child might:
• Have an adult control them by speaking for them.
• Seem out of place given the time of day or night.
• Look disheveled or dressed in clothes that they could not
afford to buy.
• Show signs of physical abuse such as bruising or red
marks.
• Not possess any form of identification.
• Perform inappropriate work for their age and not be
compensated.
Learn more about Human Trafficking and what we can do to prevent
it at
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en
 MLK Jr Day
Each year on January 16 we remember, honor, and reflect on the
life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his life’s work of advancing life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
The Interfaith Celebration Prayer Breakfast was inspirational and
wonderful to see so many community leaders gathered.
Also, thank you to the committee for inviting me to speak at the
Ecumenical Ceremony. Thank you to the MLK Jr. Memorial Foundation for
hosting these special events.
 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Thank you to all of the law enforcement personnel in Illinois who selflessly serve their communities, protect residents from harm, and make our neighborhoods safer places to live, learn, and work. Popcorn
Illinois is one of the top popcorn producing states in the
nation! This delicious, whole-grain treat also happens to be the
official state snack food of Illinois.
 Natural Gas for Pembroke
Without access to natural gas, residents in Pembroke have been
forced to heat their homes and cook with wood, propane gas or
electricity, which has caused a significant financial burden for many.
Legislation I helped pass in Springfield will provide natural gas
energy to this community. I expect it will be a tipping point of
economic growth that will lay the groundwork for significant
development and economic opportunity for years to come.
I was honored to celebrate this long-awaited milestone. This is a
monumental moment and one that took an incredible amount of work,
coordination, and bipartisan support to accomplish. As a lifelong
resident of this county and having grown up as a neighbor to this
community—I’m aware of how long this area has been waiting for some of
the basic things most of us take for granted every day: an affordable,
reliable, and safe energy source. I’m proud that I was able to play a
role in making this a reality.
  Equity in Contracting Panel
On January 26th I was pleased to attend the Equity in Contracting
panel in Park Forest. The discussion was very informative, and hearing
from the panel as well as so many participants was incredibly
valuable. Thank you to Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. for organizing the
panel!
 
Will County Farm Bureau
I had a wonderful time at the Will County Farm Bureau’s Annual
Meeting! It was great to hear about everything the farm bureau has
done over this past year-- keep up the great work!
 United Way
On Wednesday, January 25th, I attended the United Way Power of
the Purse event. It was a great night with motivational speakers and
great company with a room full of amazing women from our area! Thank
you to Women
United - United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties
for a great event!
  The 13th Amendment
On January 31, 1865, the U.S. House of Representatives passed
the resolution proposing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which
would abolish slavery and outlaw involuntary servitude. The next day,
now known as Freedom Day, President Abraham Lincoln signed the
resolution and Illinois quickly took action, becoming the first state
to ratify the amendment. #FreedomDay
 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!Valentines For Vets I am hosting our third annual Valentines for Veterans program to bring joy to local veterans in our 79th District. I invite you to make a handmade valentine greeting card and drop it off at my district office by noon on February 10th. Our Veterans are a big part of our community and these valentines are a small thank you of our appreciation for all that they have done and continue to do for us. Let’s help spread a little joy to those most important to us!
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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