KANKAKEE – Last week, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) was appointed by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) to five House committees, two of which she will hold the role of Republican Spokesperson. Leader Haas will be the spokesperson for the House Health Care Availability & Access and Mental Health & Addiction Committees. She will also serve on the House Appropriations – Health & Human Services, Prescription Drug Affordability, and Human Services Committees. In addition to that extensive list, Haas was named to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a bipartisan, bicameral legislative oversight committee.
In her role on JCAR, Rep. Haas will join 11 other legislators to help oversee the rule-making process by state agencies, making sure the rules abide by the original intent of legislators when laws are passed, adequately inform the General Assembly of how laws are implemented through agency rulemaking and help facilitate a public understanding of rules and regulations.
“I am looking forward to getting to work in Springfield this session on JCAR which takes an essential role in the way our government works and serves people throughout our state,” said Rep. Haas. “While JCAR is a new addition for me, I am excited to build on the work I have done throughout my tenure on the mental health and human services-based committees.”
Rep. Haas has previously served in those committee assignments in the prior General Assembly and will continue to be an incredible advocate with over 30 years of experience as a community social worker, and expertise working with underserved populations. She is also the CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health in Kankakee and has served in that role for 23 years.
“As a social worker, I understand how critical access to healthcare and behavioral health services, as well as human services and affordable prescription medication, are to Illinoisans,” continued Haas. “I’m eager to return to the Capitol to discuss and debate these issues in committees, and advance legislation to make improvements in these areas. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in collaborating to ensure we have the best bills exiting these committees for all residents in our great state.”
Rep. Haas was appointed House Assistant Minority Leader by the first female Republican Leader, Tony McCombie, for the 103rd General Assembly in January. She encourages her constituents to contact her office with their thoughts on legislation and issues in our state by calling her district office at (815) 523-7779.