Kankakee Times

Republican state Rep. Jackie Haas wants her constituents to know her time in Springfield remains a work in progress.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the 79th district and voicing your thoughts to the General Assembly,” Haas posted on Facebook on the anniversary of her Springfield arrival. “One year ago today I had the honor of being sworn into the office of State Representative of the 79th District. I am so grateful to have been elected and to serve this district and all of its constituents.”

Now serving on such House committees as the Health Care Availability and Accessibility, House Human Services, Immigration and Human Rights, Mental Health and Addiction, Appropriations-Elementary and Secondary Education and Prescription Drug Affordability, Haas has wasted little time establishing herself as a voice of the people.

She recently joined Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is pushing a bill aimed at giving residents of Pembroke Township the ability to heat their homes more affordably by bringing natural gas service to the area. The measure that eventually passed with bipartisan support was also supported by the likes of the Village of Hopkins Park, Pembroke Township, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Rainbow PUSH and Kankakee County.

“With the governor’s signature today, bringing safe, effective utilities to the people of Pembroke is now one step closer to becoming reality,” Haas (R-Kankakee), said in a press release. “This was a great bipartisan effort that had a lot of moving pieces but couldn’t have had a better result. I look forward to continuing to advocate for Pembroke until the job is done.”

All told, since taking office in December 2020 Haas has now sponsored at least 10 bills.