Happy New Year! As we enter 2022, I wish each of you health and happiness.
The General Assembly reconvened for Spring Session on January 5th, 2022. Below are some updates!
Fighting For You!
Sgt. Rittmanic
Thank you for your service to our community, Sergeant Rittmanic. Rest In Peace.
Sgt. Rittmanic Moment of Silence – House Floor
Crime Bill Press Conference
On January 5th Representative McCombie, Representative Windhorst, and I held a press conference to review the state of law enforcement amidst rising crime in Illinois one year after the passage of the Safe-T Act criminal justice reform bill.
The Governor and his democratic colleagues were warned countless times that this bill would raise crime rates and tie the hands of law enforcement. Unfortunately, events in my district this past month have seen those predictions come to fruition.
Click here for the full press conference: Haas Press ConferenceSAFE-T Act Repeal Petition Democrats’ SAFE-T Act makes police and the communities they serve less safe. It’s time to show our support for law enforcement and ensure public safety in every community in Illinois. Sign the petition to repeal the SAFE-T Act at the link on my website: rephaas.com
Spring Session Resumes
The 2022 spring legislative session began January 5th in Springfield. The new year brings with it an opportunity to address the biggest issues facing our state and make Illinois a place for families to grow and thrive.
This year we can:
- End the culture of corruption through robust and meaningful ethics reform.
- Show responsible fiscal leadership with a truly balanced and transparent state budget.
- Grow jobs and opportunities by making Illinois the best place to do business.
- Ensure every neighborhood is free of violence with strong public safety initiatives.
Judicial Subcircuit Redistricting
Passing new laws without proper vetting, debate, or time for public review creates bad public policy and only further erodes Illinoisans’ trust in their state government. Democrats need to be held accountable for the legislation they pass.
wcia.com/illinois-courts-director-slams-subcircuit-remap
Failed Leadership at DCFS
Governor Pritzker’s administration is failing to keep Illinois’ children in care safe. House Republicans demand action to protect every child in Illinois and immediate hearings into the failed leadership at DCFS.
New Laws for 2022
On January 1st, hundreds of new laws went into effect. Click on both of these links to learn more about them!
thecaucusblog.com/new-laws-effective-in-new-year
nbcchicago.com/50-new-illinois-laws-going-into-effect-in-2022
FOID Updates
Here are some of the changes coming to FOID cards and CCLs that Illinois gun owners should be aware of in 2022! These went into effect on Jan. 1.
Please see the link below:
Scott’s Law Reminder
Illinois drivers may be seeing more stranded motorists as we experience snowy and icy road conditions this winter. Please SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if it is safe to do so when passing any vehicle with hazard lights activated.
advantagenews.com/illinois-state-police-want-to-raise-awareness-about-the-move-over-law
Around the District & Under the Dome
Local Business Spotlight:
ReCharge Coffee Co.
This month, I presented ReCharge Coffee Company with the January Small Business of the Month! They have locations in Bourbonnais and in Watseka. I highly recommend you stop by and check them out! See the full press release here.
Honoring our Military and First Responders:
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 9th was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. “Appreciation” is an understatement. These heroes wake up every single day and knowingly put themselves in harms way to protect us – their family, their friends, and complete strangers. The 79th District honors these heroes every day. This year, our appreciation is even more significant than ever given the recent tragedy and loss we’ve experienced.
Equally important to celebrating our law enforcement is passing legislation that protects them, supports them, and provides them with the resources they need to effectively do their jobs.
To all of my law enforcement officers in the 79th District and all throughout Illinois, thank you. I salute you, I support you, and I will fight for you.
Chief Ken McCabe
Congratulations to Chief Ken McCabe on his retirement from the Kankakee Sheriff’s Office! Ken served on the force for a total of 26 years, serving as both the Chief Investigator and the Chief Deputy. He is known for faithfully and effectively serving his community, and I’m proud to call him a longtime family friend! Thank you, Ken, for keeping us safe!
Police Care Packages
I had the pleasure of helping Eric Peterson of Project Headspace and Timing deliver care packages to several police departments in the area. The care packages were assembled with the support and help of the community and there were enough care packages for every officer in every department! Thank you Eric for this wonderful gesture for our police officers and to our community for helping make it possible. As I say often, I’m honored and proud to represent this district!
Coroner and Medicolegal Death Investigator Recognition Week
Thank you Coroner Bob Gessner and team for your service and dedication to our community!
Other Happenings:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On January 17th, we remembered and honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1029 – April 4, 1969).
Thank you to the MLK Jr. Memorial Foundation for hosting the Interfaith Celebration Prayer Breakfast and Interfaith Prayer/Ecumenical Ceremony. It was an honor to be invited to present the greeting at both events.
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality.
Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. Learn more at: dhs.gov/indicators-human-trafficking
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27th marks 77 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. We must remember and honor the millions of innocent people who lost their lives over the course of the Holocaust, and all those who survived. It is our duty to keep their memory alive. #WeRemember
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!