Hear from Haas: February 2025

Happy February!

It has been a busy month with lame duck session, inauguration, and the beginning of the 104th General Assembly.

As always, please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding state issues. We’re here to help!

FIGHTING FOR YOU!

Named Assistant House Republican Leader

I am truly honored to be named Assistant House Republican Leader by Leader Tony McCombie. It was an honor and a privilege to be named in this role in the previous General Assembly, and I am humbled to continue in this position. There are a number of issues facing Illinois, and I look forward to working alongside my caucus to present common-sense solutions to these challenges.

Appointed to Serve on JCAR

I am looking forward to my second term serving as a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). The work we do on JCAR is absolutely critical to ensuring our state agencies are properly carrying out the laws we pass in the General Assembly. I am honored to continue doing this critical work alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate.

JCAR is a bipartisan, bicameral oversight committee. As a member of JCAR, I will be one of 12 lawmakers who are tasked with overseeing rule-making by state agencies, ensuring the rules are indicative of the original legislative intent, and confirming that the General Assembly remains informed of law implementation in a timely manner.

Committee Assignments

I am honored to be assigned to serve on six committees for the 104th General Assembly. There are many critical issues that my constituents, and residents across the state, desperately need to be addressed. I plan to tackle some of these issues head-on in these committees by supporting good public policy and fighting against bills that harm the hardworking men and women we are elected to represent.

Appropriations: Health and Human Services Committee
Health Care Availability and Access Committee – Republican Spokesperson
Human Services Committee
International Relations, Tourism, and Trade Committee
Mental Health Committee – Republican Spokesperson
Prescription Drug Affordability Committee – Republican Spokesperson

Around the District & Under the Dome

Will County Farm Bureau

Such a great celebration at the Will County Farm Bureau honoring the retirement of Mark! Looking forward to working alongside the new manager, Jackson Hogan!

MLK Prayer Breakfast

It was an honor to lead in prayer at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation interfaith prayer breakfast and Ecumenical Ceremony. Together, we honored the lasting legacy of Dr. King to fight for a better future for all. Thank you for having me!

Advisory Councils

Earlier this month, I hosted multiple advisory councils. These councils give me a great opportunity to speak with experts in various policy areas and listen to their ideas for new legislation. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Kankakee Riverwalk Groundbreaking

I recently attended the Kankakee Riverwalk groundbreaking ceremony. This new outdoor area will be a wonderful addition to our community. Congratulations to the City of Kankakee and everyone who made this project possible!

GEDC and Grundy Chamber Luncheon

The Grundy Economic Development Council and the Grundy Chamber of Commerce recently cohosted their Advancing Grundy Luncheon. They gave an economic update and provided their plan to bring more development to the area moving forward.

IAPD Luncheon

Had a great time at the Illinois Association of Park Districts annual luncheon! Thank you to the Kankakee Park District for inviting me to attend as your guest!

Will County Farm Bureau Legislator Award

I was so honored to receive the Legislator Award from the Will County Farm Bureau at their annual meeting for my record of voting on issues facing agriculture! I look forward to continuing my work to promote our farmers down in Springfield!

January Local Business Highlight

For my January 2025 local business spotlight, I am honored to recognize Rigo’s Place in Kankakee. They make delicious food and are most well-known for their excellent seafood.

Rigo’s Place was opened in 2012 by Rigoberto Salgado and his son Anjel Salgado. Previously, Rigoberto owned America’s Bistro (The Bistro) from 1996-2010. After the bistro closed they wanted to start something new together. Other members of the Salgado family also work at the restaurant.

Anjel, Rigoberto, and the entire team at Rigo’s have created a great space for everyone to come together and enjoy a meal. They do a great job running this locally, family-owned restaurant, all while continuing to make our community even better.

Valentines for Veterans

It’s that time of year again! Join me for my fifth annual Valentines for Veterans drive. Together, we can show our appreciation and support for our veterans. All Valentines must be dropped off at my district office, located at 370 E. Court Street in Kankakee by February 11th!

2025 Legislative Survey

My 2025 Legislative Survey is here! I encourage all constituents to take this short survey requesting your input on legislation and policy issues. This is one way for me to remain accessible and ensure that every voice is being heard.

To complete this survey, please click here.

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!

Traveling Office Hours

February 12 – Monee

Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM

February 26 – Monee