I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The General Assembly will reconvene for Spring Session on January 4th, 2022. Until then, here are some updates!
Fighting For You!
Veto Session
ICYMI: Here are the 3 major bills Democrats passed during the Veto Session last month while you were asleep.
Podcast
Rep. Elik and I sat down to talk about our first year in office – take a listen here!
COVID-19 Update
Executive Orders
Governor Pritzker’s executive orders are still in effect. You can access them here.
Around the District & Under the Dome
Local Business Spotlights:
La Tavola in Coal City was one of my local business spotlights! It’s always special to see small businesses succeed and this one has such a great family story! Stop by and see for yourself!
Southside Meats in Momence was another local business spotlight of mine! They have been serving thick-cut bacon and the freshest products for 30 years. Check it out yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
Other Community Organizations:
Acting Out Theatre Co.
I am pleased to say that Acting Out Theatre Co. located in Bradley has received grant money that will allow them to continue to put on their amazing outdoor shows! The arts are such a vital part of our community and I am happy that we have amazing companies like this that continue to thrive. If you want to learn more about Acting Out Theatre, you can visit their website here!
11th Annual Artisan Faire
I enjoyed browsing, visiting, and making a couple of purchases myself at the Artisan Faire!
Honoring the Military:
Military Family Awareness Month
November was Military Family Awareness Month. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who is serving, or has served in the military, and their families. Thank you for your strength and bravery and for all of the sacrifices you make for our country – we honor you this month and every day!
USMC Birthday
Happy 246th birthday to the United States Marine Corps! On November 10th, 1775, the Continental Marines were established. Following their role in the American Revolution, the Marines were abolished after the passage of the Treaty of Paris in April 1783. Then, in 1798, Congress ordered the re-establishment of the Marine Corps.
Thank you, Marines, for 246 years of sacrifice and service to our country! The 79th salutes you!
Veteran’s Day Celebration
I had the honor of attending a Veteran’s Day Celebration in Coal City. It was humbling to spend time with the service members who have given so much for this country and our freedoms. To all those who have served, those who are currently serving, and to their families – happy Veteran’s Day and thank you for your service!!
Veteran’s Day Boy Scout Luncheon
It is always such an honor and pleasure to spend time with hometown hero General Tom Draude!
General Draude was the keynote speaker at this year’s Boy Scout of America Duty to God and County luncheon here in Bourbonnais.
I was thrilled to attend the luncheon and visit with the General who is a wonderful family friend and high school classmate of my father!
Unclaimed Purple Hearts
The state of Illinois needs the public’s help returning 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners! The treasurer’s office received these medals as part of the unclaimed property program after the owners could not be found. Click on this link for more information and to find out how you can help!
Awarding the Outstanding Members of the 79th District:
Rev. Robert Bushey
Kankakee’s very own Rev. Robert Bushey received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his work with the Blessings in a Backpack program. I was pleased to attend the luncheon and see him accept this well-deserved honor! Thank you, Rev. Bushey, for all that you do, and congratulations!!
BBCHS Academic Foundation Awards
I had the honor of attending the Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School Academic Foundation awards. Please join me in celebrating these 3 award winners and their accomplishments!
- Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey, 2020 Alumnus of the Year
- Bruce Adams, 2021 Alumnus of the Year
- Adam Karr 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award
Athena Awards and WIN Scholarship 2021 I attended the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards lunch event where my very own District Director, Jessica Kinnersley, was awarded the Women in Networking Scholarship! This scholarship is given to an outstanding woman who both works in Kankakee County and attends school. I am incredibly lucky to have such a smart, talented, and driven young woman on my staff. Congratulations, Jessica, you earned it!
Getting in the Holiday Spirit:
Small Business Saturday
Last Saturday was Small Business Saturday and our small businesses need our support now more than ever! I encourage you to shop local and shop small this holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my family, good food, and the opportunity to represent the 79th District. What are you thankful for? I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!
Peotone Christmas Tree Lighting
I was happy to attend the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. What a wonderful evening! It was absolutely beautiful and such a lovely way to kick of the holiday season!
Kankakee County Museum Gallery of Trees
Enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Kankakee County Museum Gallery of Trees preview event.
This year’s theme, “T’was the night
before Christmas…books under the tree” has all of the decorated trees inspired by children’s books!
The 43rd Annual Gallery of Trees will be on display for the whole month of December so there’s plenty of time to go check them out!
Other Important Happenings:
Kankakee Kays
Great job Kankakee football, we’re proud of your hard work and all you’ve accomplished this year! Congratulations on being the 2021 IHSA 5A Runner Ups and the first team in school history to make it to the state championship!
Kankakee County Community Crisis Response Team Training
I appreciated the opportunity to join in this training! Great work is being done by all involved.
FOID and CCL Information FOID and CCL cardholders, take a look at the message below from the Illinois State Police: The Firearms Services Bureau (FSB) has implemented additional security measures necessary to protect personal data. FOID cardholders and CCL can access your account online. To check your status, get your Illinois driver’s license and head to https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Login.aspx. FSB treats information and personal data security very seriously. We will continue to ensure that the CCL and FOID system conforms to the highest level of security to protect our users’ personal information. The ISP FSB thanks you for your patience as we implemented these changes.
Unclaimed Property
I am working with the Treasurer’s Office to try and reunite residents of the 79th District with any unclaimed property they might have! For more info, click the link below:
https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/
Mark Your Calendar!
New Bill Roundtable
- 12/15/21 | 1 PM – 5:30 PM | 370 E. Court St. Kankakee
Join me in my District Office and present and discuss any new bill ideas and/or topics you would like to see going forward! Please call (815)-523-7779 to schedule your time! If you are unable to make the time frame, I would be happy to accept your bill ideas over email at haas@ilhousegop.org.
Toys for Tots
I am excited to be partnering with Toys for Tots and designating my District Office as a donation site! Today 12/1 is the final day to drop off toys, please stop by 370 E Court St, Kankakee, and drop off any new toys that you would like to donate to families in need! *Please note we are not accepting any used toys or stuffed animals*
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!