Welcome to my August newsletter. I hope you are enjoying summer and staying cool!
Please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding state issues. We’re here to help!
FIGHTING FOR YOU!
Monthly Daily Journal Column
I have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal once per month during my term. This month’s column focuses on enjoying the outdoors in our state. You can read the full article Here.
Legislative Updates
Senate Bill 3599
I am thrilled to announce that Senate Bill 3599, which I carried through the House, has officially been signed into law! Now, accessing mobile integrated health services will be easier than ever for patients across Illinois. I look forward to continuing my fight to improve our healthcare system in Springfield!
Around the District & Under the Dome
Kankakee Farm Bureau Breakfast
A fun morning at the Kankakee Farm Bureau Breakfast! Thanks to everyone who came out in support of local farmers!
St. Mary’s Receives a Leapfrog A Grade
Congratulations to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee on your Leapfrog “Grade A” award! This is a well-deserved recognition of the incredible care you offer to our community.
Bourbonnais National Night Out
It was a beautiful night at National Night Out at Perry Farm! Thank you to our local law enforcement agencies for coordinating such a great event.
Thank you letting me and my team be a part this wonderful event! Good luck to all students in this upcoming school year
Mega Home Ribbon Cutting
Congrats to Mega Home Deals on the opening of your new store in Bradley!
Harbor House 45th Anniversary Gala
A great night at the Harbor House 45th anniversary gala! Congratulations to Jim Rowe and Nucor on receiving the Advocate Award!
Community Health Partnership Ribbon Cutting
I attended the Community Health Partnership Ribbon Cutting during National Health Center Week! I presented HR877 which declares August 13, 2024 Community Health Partnership of Illinois Day in the State of Illinois. This new mobile health center will make healthcare more accessible in our communities.
I was also honored to be presented with the Outstanding Local Health Center Advocate award! Thank you for this recognition!
Bickford Senior Living County Farm Day
Thank you to Bickford Senior Living for inviting us to attend your ‘County Farm’ Day! This was a wonderful event with games, snacks, and animals for the residents.
Crete Fitness Court Grand Opening
Congratulations to the Crete Park District on the grand opening of your new fitness court! This will make a great addition to the community by offering another space for outdoor recreation.
Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation Luncheon
Thank you to Dr. Polk for inviting me to join the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation’s luncheon and to participate in the fashion show!
Congratulations to Lyn McIntosh for being named Counselor of the Year!
CSL Tour
I had a chance to tour CSL Behring alongside Leader Tony McCombie. Thank you to the team for showing us your facility and for the informative presentation about the work you do.
Heritage FS Tour
Fun visit to Heritage FS, INC. in Herscher! I had a great time speaking with staff, touring the grounds, learning about equipment, and discussing how I can support the agriculture industry as your State Representative.
Daily Journal Luncheon
Congratulations to all of the women honored at the annual Daily Journal Women in business luncheon! This is a great event that supports local women who are excelling in the business world!
Haymaker Ranch Ribbon Cutting
My staff attended a ribbon-cutting at Haymakers Horse Ranch in Bourbonnais to celebrate joining the Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to the team at Haymakers Horse Ranch!
Annual Summer Reading party
My office hosted a party for all of the students who completed my 2024 Summer Reading Program! Congratulations to all of the participants, and wishing you a great school year!
KIFA Installation of Officers
Thanks to my staff for attending the Kankakee Iroquois Ford Association of Realtors installation of new officers. Congratulations to all of the new officers!
Local Business Spotlight
For my August 2024 local business spotlight, I am honored to recognize GrannyMa’s Kitchen in Monee! Not only do they offer incredible comfort food, but they also provide a wonderful, welcoming environment to everyone who steps inside.
GrannyMa’s Kitchen was founded in March of 2024 by Mary Johnson. After years of working in the restaurant and catering industries, Mary decided to open up her own restaurant in Monee where she makes everything fresh to order.
I also want to highlight Mary’s dedication to providing a family-oriented restaurant. There is always a need for more spots where families can enjoy time together, and her focus on ensuring patrons of all ages are welcome is a wonderful addition to our community.
Elks Country Club Banquet Hall
Congratulations to the Kankakee Elks Country Club on your ribbon cutting earlier this week! Such a great facility to host your next event!
Other Happenings
Update from IDFPR
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois.
With a focus on increased government transparency, the new licensing system will feature a user-friendly interface with improved communications and creates a streamlined review of license applications and fees. Prospective licensees will be notified electronically when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the Department.
IDFPR will announce next steps related to the new licensing system as they become available. More information about professional licensing in Illinois may be found on IDFPR’s website: idfpr.illinois.gov.
Virtual Appointments for Licensing Updates
Top Line: IDFPR’s started a virtual appointment pilot program every Wednesday for individuals seeking support with IDFPR professional licenses.
What This Means: Applicants can directly engage with members of the Licensing Team who are experts on licensing issues and can provide direct solutions to licensing challenges.
Flag for Awareness: This is a first-come, first-serve resource and a popular one, so spots fill up fast.
Social Worker/Professional Counselor Online Applications
Bottom-Line: IDFPR’s made the following applications available online: Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
What This Means: By being available online, these applications are able to be submitted more easily and processed more expeditiously, which is good news for everyone.
General Note: IDFPR’s goal is to bring all applications online, which is part of the recently-signed new licensing system that we’re working to implement ASAP (LINK), which is exciting—updates coming soon.
Funding Opportunity: IDNR OSLAD Grant
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants between July 1 through Sept. 13. OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $585 million for park projects throughout Illinois. Click the link below for more information! Here!
Funding Opportunity: OSFM Grant
The Illinois State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024.
Learn more: https://sfm.illinois.gov/…/firede…/grants-and-loans.html
Mark Your Calendar
Rep. Haas Blood Drive
October 2, 2024
5218 West Court Street
Monee, IL 60449
Visit Redcross.org For more information and to register.
Veteran’s Resource Fair
I am honored to be co-hosting a free Veteran Resource Fair with The Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County on Tuesday, September 10th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM! The event will take place at the Kankakee VAC Office, located at 581 William R Latham Senior Drive in Bourbonnais. This event will allow veterans to meet with organizations and vendors, giving them the tools they need to thrive.