Hear from Haas: March 2025

February was a busy month with multiple weeks of legislative session, Governor Pritzker’s annual State of the State Address, and a long-awaited verdict in the corruption trial for Former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

My team has also been working to schedule multiple district outreach events to provide services to constituents and remain accessible.

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

FIGHTING FOR YOU!

Response to State of the State Address

I am incredibly disappointed by Governor Pritzker’s partisan and divisive State of the State and Budget Address. What is supposed to be a time of non-partisan cooperation as we look to the year ahead became a political show that was hyperfocused on national issues and fearmongering.

Despite years of warnings about unsustainable budgeting practices from the House Republican Caucus, Illinois Democrats refuse to bring us to the table to discuss common-sense solutions that benefit everyone. Without the Governor’s proposed revenue increases we are facing a $425 million deficit that will only continue to grow at the expense of the people we are elected to help. Instead of addressing that, Governor Pritzker is using smoke and mirrors to disguise a bad spending habit as a ‘balanced budget’.

I will continue to fight adamantly against any future tax hikes and continue advocating on behalf of a balanced budget that benefits everyone.

Response to Madigan Verdict; Renewed Calls for Ethics Reform

On February 12th, Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was found guilty on multiple counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud.

I applaud this guilty verdict that condemns the unethical, pay-to-play era of governance that Illinoisans have become all too familiar with. Not only were the actions of Former Speaker Madigan unethical and immoral, but his rule negatively affected Illinoisans through the unchecked and unbalanced power in our state government.

While I am grateful that Former Speaker Madigan was found guilty of the crimes he committed while in power, his legacy of corrupt power and control continues to harm the people of Illinois through practices he instituted, such as gerrymandered maps and unfair house rules.

House Republicans continue to call for increased ethics reform. I am hopeful that this verdict will motivate our colleagues across the aisle to finally take action and ensure this abuse of power and corruption will never happen again. The people of Illinois deserve a government that works for them. It’s long past due that we uphold that responsibility, govern responsibly, and rebuild the trust damaged by the actions of the Madigan era.

Around the District & Under the Dome

Wags to Riches Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Wags to Riches on your grand opening! Looking forward to seeing your business grow.

Boy Scouts Office Visit

I had the privilege of welcoming Scout Troops 361, 300, 319, and Pack 319 to my district office! I spoke with them about my role as a State Representative, what services my office offers, and why they should be informed citizens!

Will County Board Breakfast

I had a wonderful time attending the annual Will County Board breakfast! It was a pleasure to catch up with my colleagues about the work we are doing in Will County.

Valentines for Vets Drop-Off

I dropped off all of the cards and candy donated in our Valentines for Veterans drive this year! We had such an incredible turnout from the community. A special thank you to all who contributed this year, including: Martinton 4H club, Braceville Elementary, St Joseph Orthodox Church, Reed Custer Elementary School, Kankakee Early Start programs, Pathways at Riverside, Olivet Benner Library, Taft Elementary School, Chatterbox Cafe, KCDC Teen Reach Youth Program, Bradley Elementary School District, several families, and so many others! ❤️

Kankakee Mayor’s Dinner

My office attended the mayor’s dinner hosted by Kankakee Mayor Curtis at the Train Depot while I was in Springfield. Presenters spoke about new public safety measures in Kankakee. Thank you for the great work you’re all doing!

Springfield Visitors

Great to visit with several folks from home while in Springfield! Thanks to the teams from Birth to 5, and the Farm Bureau!

We Are Moving!

We are moving! Please pardon our dust as we move to our new district office, located at 187 S. Schuyler Avenue, Suite 110 in Kankakee. Stay tuned for more information once our new office is up and running!

IDFPR Licensing Event – March 27th

Join the Office of State Representative Jackie Haas for an IDFPR Licensing event. This is a great opportunity to receive in-person assistance with any licensing applications.

Click here or call Rep. Haas’ office at 815-523-7779 to register.

2025 Legislative Survey

My 2025 Legislative Survey is here! I encourage all constituents to take this short survey requesting your input on legislation and policy issues. This is one way for me to remain accessible and ensure that every voice is being heard.

To complete this survey, please click here.

Sign my Petition to Support Homeschool Freedom

Every child deserves access to high-quality education that helps them thrive. I trust the parents of District 79 to make the right decisions for their kids’ education and remain committed to supporting families to ensure all Illinois students are safe and have opportunities to grow and succeed.

Please make your voice heard by signing the petition here!

Museum Resource Card Request Form

Looking to visit one of Chicago’s world-class museums for free? Utilize my office’s new 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.

Mark Your Calendar!

March 19 – Monee Office Hours

Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM

March 27 – IDFPR Licensing Event

KCC North Extension Center | 450 N. Kinzie Avenue, Bradley | 3 PM – 6 PM