Hello everyone!
Welcome to my March 2026 Hear from Haas E-Newsletter.
My team and I have been working both in Springfield and at home to serve you. Our spring and summer outreach schedule will be robust with events to assist you across the district.
Please stay tuned to next month’s E-Newsletter for details on these upcoming events!
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!
Updates Following Tornado in Kankakee Area
Earlier this week, severe storms and a tornado swept through our community. Many residents and businesses are facing major damage, with some homes being completely destroyed. There has also been one confirmed death, which is absolutely heartbreaking for our community.
I have been working closely alongside Governor Pritzker, the IEMA, Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department, and a number of other local organizations, as we evaluate the damage and plan to move forward. I also want to recognize and thank the first responders, linemen, volunteers, and local leaders who immediately stepped up to help.
My thoughts and prayers are with every family who has been impacted by this storm. This will be a long recovery for our community, but I know we will rebuild through the strength and the generosity of our people. We will all get through this together.
Are you dealing with damage to your home, farm, or business? Click the corresponding link below to fill out your damage survey.
Illinois Resident Damage Self Assessment
Agriculture Damage Impact Survey
Legislative Updates
February was another slow month in Springfield with multiple committee meetings canceled and almost no substantive legislative action.
On March 27th, we have our first deadline of the year with our House Bill Committee Deadline. This means all house bills need to be passed out of committee so they can be voted on by members. Because of this deadline, we do expect to see quite a bit of action, particularly in committees.
For those who remember last year during this time, we saw the Homeschool Bill get shut down in committee. Another big thank you to the grassroots effort made by Illinoisans from across the state to stop a bad bill that would have imposed on families who make the decision to homeschool their children.
It’s possible we see an equally erroneous bill go through committee again this year. Stay tuned to my Facebook page for quick updates on critical legislation that may require witness slips.
Updates on Chicago Bears Stadium
One of the biggest issues we are expected to tackle this year in the General Assembly is legislation to keep the Chicago Bears here in Illinois. Last month, the state of Indiana took action to draw the Chicago Bears away from Illinois via an infrastructure bill that would support a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.
This topic is challenging, as we all want to keep the Bears in Illinois, but don’t want to do it at the expense of taxpayers. I do hope we find a common-sense consensus before the end of session that prioritizes fiscal responsibility and develops our partnership with major industries that will bring economic development for years to come.
March Session Dates:
- March 18-20
- March 24-27
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.
Response to State of the State Address
Last month, Governor Pritzker gave his annual State of the State and Budget Address. While I was hopeful this year’s address would focus on moving forward and balancing our budget, the Governor unveiled yet another budget that relies on sleight of hand tactics to make our budget appear balanced.
The proposed FY27 budget includes $1 billion in new spending, along with $728 million in new taxes and fees to ‘balance’ the budget. Balancing a budget requires limiting spending to meet revenue projections, not raising revenue to meet spending. Every day, Illinoisans are forced to make hard decisions to balance their own budgets. It’s long past time for Illinois Democrats to learn the same.
February Local Business Spotlight – 5Star Wings
For my February Local Business Spotlight, I am honored to recognize 5 Star Wings in Kankakee for their incredible work ethic, friendly service, and desire to be an example of success to our community. 5 Star is a welcoming, family-friendly spot to dine in downtown Kankakee. They are best known for their wings, but they also serve ribs, fried fish, BBQ, and other comfort food.
5 Star Wings began in 2003 as a home kitchen run by Troy Clark. In 2005, Troy bought a food truck and eventually built up the business to its current brick-and-mortar location in 2017. 5 Star currently employs four staff members, and their slogan is “We are not Fast Food, We are Good Food Fast.”
Troy was born and raised in Kankakee, and his mission is to show people from the community that they can achieve success too. I think that kind of motivation is exactly what local businesses are all about, and I appreciate his continued commitment to being an example of what you can achieve with hard work.
5 Star Wings is located at 125 W. Station Street in Kankakee. They offer dine-in seating, along with a seasonal outdoor deck. They are also in the process of receiving their liquor license to serve drinks.
Around the District & Under the Dome
Pace VanGo Facility Ribbon Cutting
The new Pace VanGo facility in University Park had their official ribbon cutting. This transportation option is now available by reservation for $5 per day to use one of the vehicles in the University Park area. Very excited about this new service for local residents!
Illinois Association of Park Districts Annual Conference Luncheon
I attended the 2026 Illinois Association of Park Districts Conference luncheon. It was wonderful to spend time with park district leaders from the 79th District and speaking with so many other leaders in the field!
Zonta of Kankakee County Fundraiser
Last month, I attended the Zonta of Kankakee County Fundraiser. I was proud to support this organization that works on local, national, and international projects for women and girls. Thank you to this incredible organization for a great night!
Harbor House Community Breakfast
Harbor House held their Community Breakfast for Faith Leaders. They discussed their Defining Moment, Lasting Impact Campaign and their new shelter facility that will allow them to shelter more survivors. This organization continues to do amazing things in our community, and I am proud to support them and their great work!
South Suburban Parks & Recreation Association Legislative Breakfast
I attended The South Suburban Parks and Recreation Association legislative breakfast. I had the opportunity to speak to the attendees, provide updates on legislation that relates to park districts, and hear from them on their legislative agenda for this spring. Thank you for all you do in our districts and our communities!
MCA Senior Adult Day Center
My office attended the first annual fashion show at MCA Senior Adult Day Center. This was such a fun event and we are looking forward to attending again next year!
Will County Center for Economic Development Legislative Update
The Will County Center for Economic Development hosted a legislative update meeting earlier this week. They spoke about current and future economic development initiatives in the area, and ways legislators can help bring more prosperity in our community. Thank you for inviting us to attend this informative and collaborative event!
Valentine’s for Veterans
Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Valentines for Veterans Drive! I was thrilled at the incredible response we received this year. It meant so much to our local veterans to receive these homemade valentines!
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Illinois Chapter Annual Member Awards & Graduation Gala
I had the pleasure of attending the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Illinois Chapter Annual Member Awards & Graduation Gala. I was honored to receive the 2025 Merit Shop Legislative Champion Award! Congratulations to my colleagues who were also recognized for their great work in the General Assembly. Also, congratulations to the graduates on their achievements, as well as the businesses recognized for their outstanding accomplishments!
Taj Indian Restaurant Ribbon Cutting
I attended a ribbon cutting at Taj Indian Restaurant in Bradley! Their food is delicious and we are all thrilled to welcome them to our community!
Honoring Women’s Heart Month
I joined my colleagues in the House in wearing red in honor of Women’s Heart Health Month! Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women in the United States, causing 1 in every 3 deaths. Together, we can increase awareness and show support for those who have been affected by heart disease.
Springfield Visitors!
Always great to see and visit with folks from the district while in Springfield!
-Kankakee County Farm Bureau
-Park Forest Mayor Joe Woods
-Rincon Family Services/Duane Dean BHC
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!
📌 March 25 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌 March 26 – Park Forest Office Hours
Park Forest Public Library l | 400 Lakewood Blvd. | 10 AM – 1 PM
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Jackie Haas
District 79