Jackie Haas
State Representative
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District 79
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John --
Welcome to my February Newsletter! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow
this year which means we have a long winter. The Spring Session
continued this month and the Governor gave his Budget Address.
Below are some updates!
FIGHTING FOR
YOU!
Session
Committee
Assignments
House committee assignments were also released! In addition to
my appointment to the Joint Committee on Administrative
Rules (JCAR), I’m looking
forward to getting to work on all of my committees. This
includes being the Republican Spokesperson for the House
Health Care Availability & Access and Mental
Health & Addiction Committees. I will also
sit as a member of the Appropriations - Health & Human
Services, Prescription Drug Affordability, and Human
Services Committees and the Medicaid
Workgroup. While JCAR is a new addition for me,
I’m excited to build on the work I have done throughout my tenure on
the mental health and human services-based committees.
Let’s get to work!
Response to the Governor's
Budget Proposal for FY24
Illinois families are fighting uphill battles on many
fronts and Governor Pritzker's FY24 budget proposal does nothing to
address it. When our residents see in their household budgets that
they’re spending more than they’re making, they cut costs and make
sacrifices. Lawmakers could learn a thing or two from our
constituents, and that should show in this budget proposal. Increased
funding pressures will drive deficit spending, increasing taxes and
not addressing our dreadful fiscal climate.
DCFS
Scholarship
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.
Tax Deferral
Program
The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible
taxpaying senior citizens to take advantage of the Senior Citizens
Real Estate Tax Deferral Program this year.
KCCSI Scholarship
Kankakee County
Community Services Inc. (KCCSI) is now accepting applications
for 3 scholarships through the Illinois Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunities' Community Services Block Grant
Program. These scholarships are for high school graduates and
current college students wishing to further their education. I
encourage you to take advantage of these funds! 
Tax
Season
Around the District & Under the
Dome:
Local Business
Spotlight
This
month’s Local Business Spotlight focuses on a Monee business that
combines what many of us may say are our two favorite things - coffee
and wine! LABAS
Latte & Vino owners Paul Scheetz and Ema
Butauskaite bring a taste of their travels from all over the world to
the 79th District with good food, fine wine, and delicious coffee.
Learn more at labaslattevino.com!
Mattea's Joy
Gala
I had a wonderful time at the Mattea’s Joy Gala. Such a wonderful
event, fantastic company, and honorable cause. Check out the great
work being done by this incredible family and their foundation
at: https://www.matteasjoy.org/
Sending Prayers to the Middle
East
Soldiers from the 106th Aviation Regiment based in Peoria and the
935th Aviation Support Battalion based out of Kankakee prepared for
deployment to provide aviation support in the Middle East. Let’s
remember to be grateful for our troops and keep them and their
families in our prayers.
Photo from WMBD
Celebrating Abraham
Lincoln
We celebrated the life and achievements of one the greatest
Presidents in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, wisdom, and
will to overcome the many hardships he faced throughout his life serve
as an inspiration to all – but especially to his fellow Illinoisans.
Happy Birthday to President Abraham Lincoln!

Happy Valentine’s
Day
Although we didn't celebrate together- I was in Springfield and
he was on shift - it was still a sweet day, 30 years with this guy in
May!
Valentines For
Vets
So many lovely valentines! Thank you to Limestone Middle School,
Benner Library at Olivet Nazarene University, Crete Monee High School,
Reed-Custer Elementary School, Taft Primary School, St. Anne Grade
School #256, Bradley Public Library, Bradley Wesley United Methodist
Church, Jim Rowe, Kankakee County State's Attorney Office and the JUMP
program, Gilman Healthcare Center, Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday
School, Saint Margaret Mary Sunday School, and everyone else who
helped make the wonderful Valentines cards! The cards were delivered
to the Illinois Veterans Home Manteno for our veterans to enjoy
Laborer's Local
751
Congratulations to Laborers’ Local 751 on celebrating 95 years! I
was honored to present a resolution
from the Illinois House of Representatives to this group in
recognition of this outstanding milestone.
Zonta
Event
Had a great time at the Kankakee Zonta fundraiser, such a
fun theme! Great way to help support and empower women locally and
worldwide!
Paramedics in
Illinois
Illinois has seen a 77% decline in the number of paramedics
statewide in recent years, noting a startling drop-off from 36,000
employees in 2019 to 8,200 employees in 2021.
Scott's
Law
Remember to SLOW DOWN and MOVE
OVER when approaching any vehicle with hazard or emergency
lights activated. Let's protect all who work and travel Illinois
roadways by following Scott's Law.
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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State Representative Jackie Haas is proud to advocate on behalf of
the constituents of the 79th District.
Learn more at
rephaas.com
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