Hello everyone!
Welcome to my April 2026 Hear from Haas E-Newsletter.
My team and I have been working both in Springfield and at home to serve you.
At home, we have two upcoming outreach events. We are co-hosting a Hazardous Waste Drive on April 18th in Kankakee and a Rx Take Back Drive on April 25th in Bourbonnais. There is more information about both of these events below. I encourage all local residents to utilize these services to keep your home and our community safe!
We also continue to host traveling office hours in Monee and Park Forest monthly. Stop by to speak with my staff and receive assistance with state programs or agencies.
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!
Legislative Updates
In March, we finally started to get some work done down in Springfield!
March 27th was our House Bill Committee Deadline, which means all House bills needed to be moved through their respective committees by the end of the day. Now, these bills await action on the House floor.
Our next deadline is on April 17th, which is our House Bill 3rd Reading Deadline. This means that all House bills need to be voted on and moved to the Senate by the end of the day. We have a number of bills to move through before that deadline, and we expect to see many late nights down in Springfield next week.
Updates on Chicago Bears Stadium
I know many constituents continue to be concerned about the status of the Chicago Bears stadium. Unfortunately, I do not have any more updates from last month’s e-newsletter.
Back in February, 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. The Illinois General Assembly has yet to respond to this action.
I am hopeful that we will see some action on this issue before the end of session in May.
Upcoming Session Dates:
- April 14-17
- April 21-23
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.
Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event
Help keep our community safe by properly and safely disposing of hazardous materials at our upcoming Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event on Saturday, April 18th, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM! The drive will be hosted at the City of Kankakee Public Works Department Parking Lot, located at 401 W. Oak Street in Kankakee.
This event is in partnership with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Kankakee, and the Kankakee Fire Department.
Please note this drive is only for residential waste. Business, agricultural, industrial, or commercial waste will not be accepted.
Pre-registration is required. Constituents can sign up here.
Rx Take Back Drive
I invite all local residents to utilize our free Rx Take Back Drive on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! The event is being held in the Bourbonnais Walmart parking lot, located at 2080 IL-50, Bourbonnais.
Accepted medications include tablets, capsules, other solid forms of prescription drugs, patches, and vaping devices and cartridges (lithium batteries removed). Restricted items include liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, and needles.
This event is in partnership with KAMEG, Riverside Health, HIDTA – National Guard, Kankakee County Health Department, and I-KAN ROE – Life Education Center Programs. Georgie’s Closet will be collecting new diapers for children in foster care, and the Lions Club is collecting used prescription glasses.
March Local Business Spotlight – C&L Fine Goods Boutique
For my March Local Business Spotlight, I am honored to recognize C&L Fine Goods Boutique in Kankakee. C&L Boutique primarily sells curated pieces and some unique resale items. In order to achieve their mission, that everyone deserves to have access to clothes that make them feel confident, they keep items reasonably priced, often offering $1 or $5 sales and clothing giveaways.
C&L Fine Goods Boutique was first opened nearly ten years ago by Leondra Williams and her husband. Leondra opened the business to combine her love for fashion and finding unique pieces. Leondra and her husband chose to open the boutique in downtown Kankakee because they were both born and raised in the community and appreciate the diverse customer base they have access to downtown.
I want to commend Leondra and her husband for their continued support for our community. From giving back to those in need when able, to providing our community with a welcoming and comfortable space, they have added incredible value to downtown Kankakee!
C&L Fine Goods Boutique is located at 155 S. Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee. For more information, you can visit their website at FineGoodsBoutique.com.
Around the District & Under the Dome
Tour of the Vintage Purse Museum in Manteno
I had a great time touring the Vintage Purse Museum in Manteno! This was such a fun and informative experience. Thanks for welcoming us!
Kankakee State of the County
I attended the Kankakee State of the County event. This annual address gives residents and community stakeholders the chance to hear more about current and future initiatives in our county. Looking forward to continued growth this year!
GEDC & Grundy Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner
My team and I attended the GEDC and Grundy Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. These annual dinners are always a fun night of recognition for economic leaders in our community. Congratulations to all of the awardees and the GEDC and Grundy Chamber on your continued growth!
FOP Food Truck
I stopped by the FOP food truck in Aroma Park to show my support for our law enforcement officers. Thank you for providing this service for our first responders, residents, and volunteers!
Tornado Relief
I spent an afternoon distributing totes to those affected by the tornado that hit our community last month. So many residents were impacted and needed safe packaging for their cherished items. Saw many friends who have lost so much, yet they’re all still so grateful for the blessings that remain!
2026 Women United Breakfast
My office attended the 2026 Women United Breakfast. This year’s theme, “Growing a Thriving Legacy”, highlighted local women who are working to create spaces for community and connection. Thank you to the United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties for hosting!
Alzheimer’s Association Day of Action
We joined the Illinois Alzheimer’s Association for their Day of Action at the Capitol. Thank you to IAA and the other incredible organizations who are leading the fight to end Alzheimer’s in Illinois!
Monee Tractor Supply Ribbon Cutting
Welcome to Monee Tractor Supply! I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome TSC to Monee. What a wonderful addition to the community!
Springfield Visitors!
We saw so many visitors to Springfield last month! Thank you to everyone who stopped by my office to speak with me!
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!
📌 April 18 – Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Drive
City of Kankakee Public Works | 401 W. Oak Street, Kankakee | 8 AM – 3 PM
📌 April 22 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌 April 25 – Rx Take Back Drive
Bourbonnais Walmart | 2080 IL-50 | 10 AM – 12 PM
📌 April 30– 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