Hello everyone, and happy June!
Last month, we completed our 2025 Spring Legislative session. As per usual, bills were crammed through at the 11th hour due to poor planning by the majority party.
While we saw another unbalanced budget pass in the cover of night, we also had some victories. Thanks to collaboration with grassroots efforts statewide, we held off the Homeschool Act, which would have been a massive overreach for home and private school families. The proposed $1.50 delivery tax was also defeated. However, we must remain vigilant as these bills may pop up again in the future.
June will be a busy month for us back home with a number of events scheduled, such as my annual Job Fair. More information on those events below.
As always, please reach out to my district office with any comments, questions, or concerns. I am here to serve you!
FIGHTING FOR YOU!
FY26 Budget Recap
Another year, another budget filled with gimmicks and tax hikes on hardworking Illinoisans. Despite already bearing one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, Illinois taxpayers are now on the hook for the continued out-of-control spending of the majority party. The over $55 billion budget raises taxes on hardworking Illinoisans by $1 billion. Our citizens cannot afford more out-of-control spending, misplaced priorities, higher taxes, and more inflation.
Unfortunately, this is what happens when there is zero balance or diversity of ideas when the budget is drafted. This is what happens when the majority party ignores Republican-filed bills to lower the cost of living, provide property tax relief, and cut energy costs. Instead of building a coalition of lawmakers that spans the political spectrum to ensure the budget properly represents and benefits all Illinoisans, the FY26 was drafted behind closed doors with no room for opposition.
This process cannot continue any longer. All Illinoisans deserve to have proper representation in Springfield.
Blood Drive – June 6
I invite all local residents to come out and help save lives by donating blood at our upcoming Blood Drive on Saturday, June 6th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM! The event will be held at the Bourbonnais Municipal Center Community Room, located at 700 Main Street NW in Bourbonnais.
Every blood donation makes a difference in the lives of others. I encourage any able constituents to join us for this event!
This event is hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross. Appointments can be made by clicking here.
Job Fair – June 11
I am excited to announce my upcoming 5th annual job fair on Wednesday, June 11th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM! The fair will take place at the Knights of Columbus, located at 187 S. Indiana Avenue in Kankakee.
Connecting constituents in need of work with potential employers is a great resource for our community. I invite any interested job seekers to join us at this event!
Some employers present at this event include Nucor Steel, PACE, the Illinois State Police, the City of Kankakee, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Riverside Healthcare, and more!
This event will also include free workshops, including ‘How to Navigate Through the State of Illinois Hiring Process’ at 9:00 AM, ‘How to Write a Resume to Get Noticed’ at 10:00 AM, and ‘I Have an Interview…Now What?’ at 11:00 AM.
Shred Event – June 14
Join us for a Shred Event on June 14th from 10 AM to 12 PM. This event will take place in the Clock Tower Building Back Parking Lot, located at 187 S. Schulyer Avenue in Kankakee. I encourage all constituents to utilize this great FREE service!
We will also be accepting donations for Georgie’s Closet, a great local non-profit working to help children in foster care. We are accepting unopened diapers in all sizes!
Open House – June 18
We’ve officially moved! Join us for a celebration at our new district office located at 187 S. Schulyer Avenue, Suite 110 in Kankakee, on Wednesday, June 18th, from 2 PM to 6 PM. Stop by to see our new space and share any questions, comments, or concerns you may have!
Hope to see you there!
Summer Reading Program Returns!
My fifth annual summer reading program has returned! Students from Kindergarten to 5th grade can participate by reading ten or more books before August 15th, 2025. Books over 150 pages count as two books. All students who complete their summer reading will receive an invitation to an ice cream party and certificate ceremony in late summer!
This program is a great way to encourage kids to remain active readers during the summer months, which is critical to ensuring a smooth transition back to school in the fall. I invite all interested students to participate and join our celebration for their achievements in late summer!
Once a student completes their reading, they can fill out their form and have their parents verify the information. Online forms can be completed by clicking here or visiting RepHaas.com. Paper forms are available at my district office, located at 187 S Schuyler Avenue, Suite 110 in Kankakee.
Around the District & Under the Dome
Monee Job Fair
Thank you to the Village of Monee for hosting your annual job fair! My office was happy to attend this great opportunity for job seekers in our community.
Welcoming Miss Kankakee Teen, Alexis McCullough, to Springfield!
I had the honor of welcoming Miss Kankakee’s Teen, Alexis McCullough, to Springfield as my page for a day! Alexis is an outstanding young woman who is an excellent role model for our community. Her work in creating the Gold Star Memorial in Bourbonnais is worthy of considerable recognition. Thank you for joining me in Springfield, Alexis!
Business After Hours Event
My staff attended a business after hours event, hosted by Smart Wash, Prime Lending, and the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to those who hosted this great event for our business community to connect and grow!
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those who have fallen in service protecting freedom and democracy for all of us. It was an honor to attend a few services in honor of Memorial Day. God bless our fallen service members, our Gold Star families, and God bless America!
MCA Senior Adult Day Center Ribbon Cutting
The MCA Senior Adult Day Center hosted its grand opening ribbon-cutting. Congratulations to Alicia and your team who worked to make MCA a reality in our community!
Kankakee Chamber Young Professionals Networking Event
While away in Springfield, my staff attended the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce young professional networking event! This panel focused on advocating for your mental health and how that intersects with working as a young professional. They also attended their annual Athena Awards luncheon. Anne King received the Athena Award Scholarship, Megan Campbell received the Young Athena Leadership Award, and Jamie Freedlund received the Athena Leadership Award. Congratulations to all of the award recipients!
Welcoming Miss Kankakee Teen
I had the opportunity to welcome Miss Kankakee Teen, Alexis McCullough, to my office to present me with one of her challenge coins! Alexis also recently completed her Eagle Scout Project, which is the new gold star memorial in Bourbonnais. She is an incredible role model for young women in our community!
Garden of Prayer Youth Center Parent Mentor Program
Kankakee County Police Memorial Ceremony
While I was in Springfield, my team attended the Kankakee County annual Police Memorial Ceremony. The Police Memorial is a constant reminder of the brave law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to our community. Thank you to all of our law enforcement officers for your daily service and sacrifice to protect us all.
Illinois Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial
I attended the Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial & Medal of Honor award ceremony in the capitol.
The monument is located adjacent to the State Capitol Building and serves as an official memorial always, but especially on this occasion. It is a constant reminder whenever I am in the legislature of all of the brave men and women who fearlessly and selflessly give everyday to protect us, our families, and the greater community.
Thank you the firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities. Thank you to all of the firefighters who risk their lives on a daily basis to keep us all safe. And thank you to the families who share their loved ones at the risk of helping all of us each and every day. We will never forget. 
GEDC Legislative Breakfast
I had the chance to speak at the Grundy Economic Development Council’s legislative breakfast, alongside my colleagues from the House and Senate. We had a number of productive discussions about some of the top issues facing our state, such as our upcoming budget, energy policy, and more!
Kankakee National Day of Prayer & Action
My staff attended the National Day of Prayer and Action, hosted by the Kankakee State’s Attorney, while I was away in Springfield. There was a great turnout from our community as people joined together in prayer!
ICASH Events
Thank you to everyone who came out to our ICASH events in Park Forest and Kankakee, including the great staff from the Illinois Treasurer’s Office. Always appreciate the chance to offer this service to our community!
Springfield Visitors!
Another busy week in Springfield! I had the pleasure of meeting with many passionate constituents and advocates. We celebrated Park District Week with visits from Crete, Monee, Lincolnway Special Recreation, and Kankakee Valley Park Districts. I also met with representatives from the Realtor Association, Beecher and Bourbonnais Fire Protection Districts, and the Staffing Services Association. Thank you all for stopping by!
Illinois Police Officers Memorial
I had the honor of attending the 40th anniversary of the Illinois Police Officers Memorial. This memorial is a tribute to the brave men and women who have died while in the line of duty as law enforcement officers in Illinois. The addition of nine new names this year is a sobering reminder that we must do more in Springfield to protect our first responders.
May Local Business Spotlight – The Lush Vine
For my May 2025 local business spotlight, I am honored to recognize The Lush Vine in Kankakee. The Lush Vine is a boutique wine bar with a mission to make wine culture more inviting and innovative for consumers. They offer a fresh take on typical happy hours and provide an excellent gathering space for customers.
The Lush Vine was opened around a year and a half ago by owner Laurin Stauffenberg. They offer signature weekly specials, such as Tini Tuesday, Happy Hour Wednesdays, and Bottles & Bites Thursdays.
The Lush Vine offers a much-needed social space for local residents to enjoy. The entire staff has worked hard to cultivate a great community space that offers delicious food and drinks, and I am honored to recognize their hard work!
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!
June 6 – Blood Drive
Bourbonnais Municipal Building | 700 Main Street NW | 11 AM – 3 PM | Register here.
June 11 – Job Fair
Knights of Columbus | 187 S. Indiana Avenue, Kankakee | 9 AM – 12 PM
June 14 – Shred Event & Diaper Drive
Clock Tower Building Back Parking Lot | 187 S. Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee | 10 AM – 12 PM
June 18 – Office Open House
Rep. Haas’ District Office | 187 S. Schuyler Avenue, Suite 110, Kankakee | 2 PM – 6 PM
June 25 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
June 26 – Park Forest Office Hours
Park Forest Public Library | 400 Lakewood Blvd | 10 AM – 1 PM
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Jackie Haas
District 79