Hello everyone, and Happy October!
I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful fall season this year.
In two weeks, legislators will head back down to Springfield for week 1 of our fall veto session. This is a two-week session that allows legislators to override any vetos that were made on bills passed during our spring session. However, due to their super-majority status, Illinois Democrats have little need for this.
Instead, veto session will likely be focused on a number of critical issues in Illinois, such as a bill to address our energy crisis and a potential solution to the CTA budget cliff. Stay tuned to my social media and next month’s newsletter for updates on what happens during this session.
My office was also busy this month as we planned two Rx drop-off drives and a blood drive for the month of October. Please see more details about those events below.
As always, please reach out to my office at any time!
Around the District & Under the Dome
Summer Reading Program Pizza Party
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Summer Reading Party at Luconi’s Pizza in Bradley! It was such a joy celebrating all the young readers who worked hard this summer. Reading is the foundation for lifelong learning, and encouraging kids to open a book each day helps set them up for success in school and beyond. A big thank you to Luconi’s Pizza for hosting us and to all the families who made reading a priority this summer. Keep turning those pages!
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 392 100th Anniversary
It was my honor to present a certificate to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 392 in honor of their 100th anniversary! The American Legion does incredible work to honor and support our veteran community. Congratulations on this massive achievement of 100 years!
Healthcare Innovation’s Annual Symposium
My office attended the Healthcare Innovation’s 13th Annual Health Equity & Innovation Symposium! Special thanks to the two 79th district residents who welcomed my staff: Lamekia Davis, who was a panelist, and Executive Director Joshua Travis.
Kankakee Chamber Legislative Reception
I had a wonderful time at the Kankakee Area Chamber of Commerce legislative reception! Always appreciate the opportunity to speak with fellow lawmakers and our local chamber about ways to make our state more business-friendly!
Kankakee Chamber Lunch and Learn Event
My office attended the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch and Learn event, where they discussed succession planning. The EDCA and Glade Plumbing and Piping also assisted with this informative event. Thank you all for providing our community with these important resources!
United Way Annual Celebration
At this year’s United Way Annual Celebration, they announced that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will officially be launched here in Kankakee County! This is a wonderful program that gets books into the hands of children who need them most. Looking forward to seeing this program in action!
NAACP Annual State Convention
My Chief of Staff, Jessica Kinnersley, spoke on my behalf at the NAACP Annual Convention. Thank you to the NAACP for organizing this event and for your continued efforts to improve our community!
August Local Business Spotlight: Knack Brewing
I’m delighted to honor Knack Brewing as this month’s Local Business Spotlight. Matt and Emily have created a fun and welcoming space that celebrates local artists and offers a real sense of community.
Matt and Emily opened Knack Brewing over three years ago. Matt’s passion for brewing grew out of 15 years of home brewing. After years in B2B sales, he and Emily saw an opportunity to make a life change and traded in their corporate roles to follow their passion.
Knack Brewing prioritizes producing the highest quality beer, ensuring every batch is up to their standards. They are also constantly developing and expanding their knowledge in the brewing industry and investing in the best technology, such as specialized tap faucets.
One of the things that stood out most to me was the desire of Knack Brewing to lead the way in the revitalization of downtown Kankakee. Their commitment to excellent quality and service, along with building up our local community, made them a perfect fit for this month’s spotlight.
September Local Business Spotlight: D. Westphal Jewelers
I am honored to highlight D. Westphal Jewelers as my September Local Business Spotlight. For more than five decades, this family business has served our community with excellence and expertise that spans three generations.
D. Westphal Jewelers was founded in 1970 by Darren’s grandfather and later taken over by his father. Although he was originally a union bricklayer by trade, Darren purchased the business in 2015 following the passing of his father. The business employs six staff members, all of whom bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to customer service.
What stood out to me most was the dedication to both tradition and craftsmanship. D. Westphal Jewelers continues to be a trusted name for families in our area, and their long history makes them an outstanding choice for this recognition.
Rx Drop Off Drive: October 4
Safely dispose of your unused or expired medications at our upcoming Prescription Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, October 4th! Stop by Hippocrates Medical Center in Kankakee from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to safely dispose of your medications.
Blood Drive: October 17
Donate blood and save lives at our upcoming Blood Drive! This drive will take place on Friday, October 17th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Bourbonnais Municipal Center. I encourage any constituents who are able to attend and give back to our community!
To make a reservation, click here and search for the sponsor code C160.
DEA Rx Take Back Day: October 25
My office is partnering with other local organizations and leaders for our annual DEA National Rx Take Back Day Drive! Join us in the North Field Square Mall East Parking Lot on Saturday, October 25th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to safely dispose of your unwanted medications.
Museum Pass
Looking to visit one of Chicago’s world-class museums for free? Utilize my office’s 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!
📌 October 4 – Prescription Take Back
Hippocrates Medical Center | 606 E. Court Street, Kankakee | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌October 17 – Blood Drive
Bourbonnais Municipal Center | 700 Main Street NW | 11 AM – 3 PM
📌 October 22 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌 October 25 – Rx Take Back Drive
North Field Square Mall East Parking Lot | 1600 IL-50, Bourbonnais | 10 AM – 2 PM
📌 October 30 – 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