Hello everyone!
Welcome to my May 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 a number of events coming up in June, including a Blood Drive, Job Fair, and Mobile DMV event! Learn more about these events below.
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
This Friday is our Senate Bill Committee deadline, which requires all Senate bills to move through their respective committees in the House by Friday. This deadline was initially on Friday, May 8th, but was postponed.
In the next few weeks, we will be in the thick of budget season with a new budget expected by the end of the month.
Stay tuned for next month’s e-newsletter for more updates on what has occurred this legislative session.
Upcoming Session Dates:
- May 12-15
- May 19-22
- May 25-31 (Session Adjournment)
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.
Mobile DMV
I am incredibly excited to partner with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to host a Mobile DMV event on Monday, June 22nd, from 11 AM to 3 PM, at the Limestone Township Library District in Kankakee. This event will make necessary services faster and more convenient for local residents.
Representatives of the Secretary of State’s office will be on hand to assist with renewing or correcting driver’s licenses, converting existing standard driver’s licenses into REAL ID driver’s licenses, obtaining renewed or first-time Standard or REAL state IDs, issuing free state IDs for seniors aged 65 or older, and purchasing license plate stickers.
Attendees can also register to be an organ donor/tissue donor and register to vote while applying for a driver’s license or identification card.
A list of acceptable documents for the issuance of first-time IDs and REAL IDs can be found at www.ilsos.gov.
Registration is required and can be done by clicking here.
Blood Drive
Join my office for an upcoming Blood Drive on Friday, June 5th, from 11 AM to 3 PM! The event will be located at the Bourbonnais Municipal Building Community Room, located at 700 Main Street SW in Bourbonnais.
This event is hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross. Appointments can be made by visiting RepHaas.com or clicking here.
Job Fair
I am excited to host my 6th annual Job Fair this year on Wednesday, June 10th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus, located at 187 S. Indiana Avenue in Kankakee! Over 40 employers will be present at this event.
Some employers present at this event include Nucor Steel, PACE, Kankakee County Government, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Prime St. Mary’s Hospital, and more!
This event will also include free workshops, including ‘How to Navigate Through the State of Illinois Hiring Process’ at 9:00 AM, ‘How to Write a Resume to Get Noticed’ at 10:00 AM, and ‘I Have an Interview…Now What?’ at 11:00 AM.
I always appreciate the opportunity to connect prospective employees with local employers, which is a win-win for everyone. All are encouraged to attend!
Women to Watch Event
It was an honor to welcome Angelina Gear and Dr. Melvina Calvin-Edwards to Springfield last month for our annual Women to Watch Event! Both Angelina and Melvina are incredible leaders who work to make our community a better place. I was immensely proud to bring these two women as representatives of the 79th District.
Angelina Gear is the Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County, a tourism organization aimed at bringing more visitors to the region. Dr. Melvina Calvin-Edwards was the first African-American sergeant with the Kankakee Police Department. She is an Assistant Professor and the Program Coordinator for the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice programs at Kankakee Community College.
The Women to Watch honorees were invited to Springfield for a one-day conference that included activities at the State Capitol Complex, a networking lunch event, and a panel discussion. The panel included the Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, Chris Gearhart Cournoyer.
Around the District & Under the Dome
Kankakee County Chamber Level Up Lunch
My office attended the Kankakee County Chamber Level Up Lunch. This lunch was centered around understanding homelessness and ways for us to come together as a community to address it. Thank you to the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce for hosting this informational and productive event!
Kankakee County Mayor’s Meeting
My office attended the Kankakee County mayors’ meeting, hosted at the Sheriff’s Department. They had an important discussion about emergency response during the recent storms in our area, along with giving a tour of the jail. Thanks to all who hosted and attended this event that connected our local leaders!
IDOT Public Meeting
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently held a public meeting about the IL 50 improvements at Kankakee Community College. My office attended the meeting to learn more about this major project in our community!
Economic Alliance of Kankakee County
While away in Springfield, my staff attended the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County meeting on my behalf. The Economic Alliance is a public-private partnership aimed at fostering a thriving economy. Thanks to all who attended! We look forward to seeing your partnership continue to grow our local economy.
Createur Conference
My office attended the Createur Conference at Olivet University! We were happy to support this conference aimed at supporting our entrepreneurs, and my staff even ran into some local CEO students who were there giving a pitch!
Women in Networking Luncheon
My office was a proud sponsor of the Women in Networking Luncheon this year, hosted by the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Kankakee. My District Director, Jessica Kinnersley, spoke on my behalf and gave updates about this legislative session while I was down in Springfield.
Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event! We were happy to partner with the EPA to keep our community safe by properly disposing of hazardous materials.
United Way Day of Action
My staff participated in the United Way Day of Action. They helped clean up McBroom Park and the garden beds on River Street. They also visited Bird Park to see the painted rock garden put together by MCA!
JB West Grand Opening
Congratulations to JB West on your grand opening in Kankakee! They do roofing, siding, gutter, and window installations in our area.
Rx Take Back Drive
Thank you to all of our partners and those who attended our Rx Take Back Drive! Together, we helped to make our homes and communities safer. Always appreciate hosting this event and offering this service to constituents
Kiwanis Annual Student Awards Luncheon
I attended the Kiwanis 102nd Annual Student Awards Luncheon. This was such a great time for us to recognize the remarkable students in our community!
Bricks & Minifigs Grand Opening
Congratulations to Bricks & Minifigs in Bradley on your grand opening! We are so excited to welcome this fun, family-friendly spot to our community.
Garden of Prayer Mentor Group Meet and Greet
Garden of Prayer welcomed me to attend their Parent Mentor Group Meet and Greet event! I was honored to speak with these amazing mentors who are helping our next generation reach their full potential. Thank you to Garden of Prayer for the important work you do!
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!
📌 May 27 – Monee Office Hours
Monee Village Hall | 5130 W. Court Street | 9 AM – 12 PM
📌 May 28 – 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