Hello everyone!
Welcome to my February 2026 Hear from Haas E-Newsletter.
With our legislative session kicking off for the year last month and continued outreach efforts by my office, we have been hard at work for the people of the 79th District.
As always, please reach out to my office at any time! You can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 815-523-7779. We are here to serve you!
OSLAD Grants in District 79
I am thrilled that District 79 was granted over $1.5 million in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants! This funding will go directly to critical projects that develop new outdoor spaces, which will encourage residents to spend more time outside and increase quality of life for everyone in our community. Thank you to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for providing this funding.
OSLAD was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986. This program assists communities across the state with funding for land acquisition, park development, and outdoor recreation projects.
In District 79, the City of Braidwood was awarded $600,000 for the Braidwood Town Center and the City of Kankakee was awarded $990,000 for the West Riverwalk.
Legislative Updates
Last month, Illinois legislators returned to Springfield for our 2026 Spring Legislative Session. In the House, we were in session for one week in January.
Unfortunately, we passed zero bills and attended zero committee meetings. When Illinoisans are facing skyrocketing property tax bills, energy bills, grocery bills, and more, getting nothing done is not an option.
I am hopeful that we get some real work done when we return this month.
February Session Dates:
- February 17-19
- February 24-26
Want to get involved in the process?
View schedules for session and committee hearings here.
Watch legislative session live here.
Learn how to file a witness slip on important legislation here.
Scholarships & Grants
Illinois Conservation Foundation Scholarship
The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships for Illinois high school seniors committed to conserving the state’s natural resources
More information here.
IRMA Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association recently launched the first-ever Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge, which encourages high school seniors to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector. Held in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, high school seniors have the opportunity to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector, with teams competing for scholarships of up to $60,000.
The application deadline is March 30, 2026. For more information, click here.
Chime Scholars Foundation
The Chime Scholars Foundation recently announced the opening of applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering scholarships of up to $20,000 to students of all backgrounds pursuing college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical or workforce certifications.
Since launching in 2022, the program has provided $7 million in funding to more than 1,000 scholars nationwide through Chime’s 1% pledge to expand access to education.
Applications are open through March 31, 2026. For more information, click here.
Around the District & Under the Dome
City of Braidwood Meeting
The City of Braidwood welcomed me and my fellow legislators and county leaders for a breakfast meeting. We discussed various ongoing city projects and future initiatives that we can work on together. Thank you for hosting this productive event!
IDOT Open House
My office attended the IDOT Open House Public Meeting for Route 113 improvements. This was a great opportunity for the community to share their thoughts and feedback on this important infrastructure project. Thanks to IDOT for hosting!
Visit to Prairie State College
I had the opportunity to scrub into a mock surgery at Prairie State College along with students in their surgical technology program and a few of my General Assembly colleagues. This was a wonderful experience to see firsthand the skills needed to assist in the operating room. These students will definitely leave the program well prepared!
Will County Farm Bureau
I had a wonderful time at the Will County Farm Bureau’s 112th Annual meeting! Thank you for all you do for your members and the farm families of Will County! Congratulations to all who were honored and recognized at the event!
MLK Prayer Breakfast
It was my honor to give the opening remarks for the MLK Day prayer breakfast in Kankakee. Dr. King’s legacy of unity, peace, and equality is a timeless message for us to remember.
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!
📌 February 25 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌 February 26 – 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