Happy May! I hope everyone has been enjoying the warmer weather.
April was a busy month both in Springfield and back home. We had our third reading deadline week, which means all House bills had to be voted out of the House. With that completed, we have begun to work on passing bills that moved out of the Senate.
As always, please reach out to my district office with any comments, questions, or concerns. I am here to serve you!
FIGHTING FOR YOU!
Legislative Updates
I am proud to share that I passed four bipartisan bills through the House last month:
- House Bill 79 protects earned annuities for retired sheriff’s officers who want to work as School security guards.
- House Bill 2361 designates the month of March of each year as French Heritage Month.
- House Bill 2774 will guarantee a single, accessible phone number for domestic violence services across Illinois, thus ensuring consistent support for all survivors regardless of their location.
- House Bill 3428 establishes semiannual joint training sessions with nursing home providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to discuss quality of care, potential violations, and more.
I am also the primary House sponsor of Senate Bill 1195. This bill will include the topic of trauma-informed programs, procedures, and practices to existing curriculum for law enforcement officer training, ensuring those who respond to cases of sexual assault or abuse know how to properly interact with the victim and minimize any further traumatization. SB 1195 passed through the Senate unanimously, passed through House committee, and now awaits floor action in the House.
Around the District & Under the Dome
Garden of Prayer Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Garden of Prayer in Kankakee on the grand opening of your new headquarters! This is a great organization that helps support some of our most vulnerable youth by providing a safe space for children in need.
Kankakee Chamber New Location Grand Opening
Congratulations to the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce on the grand opening of your new location in downtown Kankakee! This is an exciting next step for a great local chamber.
Springfield Visitors!
It was a busy week in Springfield for our third reading deadline! I had the chance to meet with so many great advocates, including: NAMI staff and advocates, NASW and social work students, Anne King of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association staff and providers, Rebecca Hooks whom we presented HR 226, and the Ambulance Association Group. Thank you to everyone who visited and spoke with me!
Kankakee CEO Student Meeting
Students from the Kankakee CEO program stopped by my office to discuss the work they are doing. We also discussed my role as a state legislator and how bills move through the legislative process. Such a great group of students with bright futures ahead!
Presentation at Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center
I spoke with 8th-grade students at Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center about my role as a State Representative. The students were incredibly engaged and asked good questions as they gear up for their upcoming Constitution test!
Gold Star Memorial Dedication
It was an honor to attend the dedication ceremony at the new Gold Star memorial created by Alexis McCullough as her Eagle Scout project to honor her own father who she lost while he was in service. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument honors the families that lost a family member while serving in the military and honoring our freedom. Congratulations to Alexis on the completion of this incredible memorial!
Kankakee CEO Trade Show
The Kankakee CEO Trade Show was a huge success! Local students who participate in the CEO program were able to build their skills as entrepreneurs and showcase the personal business they have created!
Redd Remedies Ribbon Cutting
My office had the pleasure of attending a ribbon cutting to celebrate Redd Remedies 20th anniversary! Congratulations on your continued success!
April Local Business Spotlight – Little Me Studio
For my April 2025 local business spotlight, I am honored to recognize Little Me Studio in Bourbonnais. Little Me Studio is an incredible space for children and families to create art and make memories together.
Owner and founder Nikki Moore came up with the idea for this business on a family road trip as a way for families to put their phones down and reconnect with their children through art. Little Me Studio offers a variety of child and adult programming to develop motor skills in a creative, play-based way. They also offer Montessori and Preschool Transition Programs.
I was truly impressed by the space Nikki has created to give children a fun, hands-on learning experience. This type of environment is critical for child development, and I applaud Nikki for creating an accessible space for children and families to enjoy together.
Women to Watch Event
In April, I welcomed Alicia Kleinert and Nicole Gavin to the Women to Watch Event in Springfield. The event consisted of a breakfast, listening session, networking lunch, and informational seminar from other women in leadership roles. Alicia and Nicole are both leaders in our community who are ‘Women to Watch’ and work tirelessly to make our area a better place.
Alicia Kleinert is the founder and executive director of MCA Adult Day Care, which provides a holistic approach to senior care services. Nicole Gavin is the executive director of Visit Kankakee, a non-profit organization that aims to bring more tourism to the Kankakee area.
This event was an incredible opportunity for Alicia and Nicole to share their accomplishments and network with other women from across Illinois who are leaders in their own communities. I look forward to watching both of these incredible women grow and thrive alongside our community.
Pet Adoption Event
Join us for a pet adoption event on Saturday, May 17th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Kankakee County Animal Control. This is a great opportunity to meet the animals currently available for adoption. Hope to see you there!
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!
May 14 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
May 16 – ICASH Monee
Golf Vista Clubhouse | 4930 Court Street | 10 AM – 12:30 PM
May 17 – Pet Adoption Event
Kankakee County Animal Control | 134 Mooney Drive, Bourbonnais | 9 AM – 12 PM
May 28 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
May 29 – Park Forest Office Hours
Park Forest Public Library | 400 Lakewood Blvd | 10 AM – 1 PM
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Jackie Haas
District 79