Kankakee Times

Work in Springfield is advancing as the legislative assembly intensifies activity with the recent committee bill passage deadline in the House. Additionally, State Representative Jackie Haas's office has been busy with initiatives including traveling office hours and an IDFPR event that assisted 25 residents.

State Representative Jackie Haas recently succeeded in passing several bills through the committee. These include House Bill 76, which mandates the Department of Corrections to reimburse county jails for certain inmate transfer costs, and House Bill 79, protecting the benefits of retired sheriff officers working as school security guards. House Bill 2361 designates March as French Heritage Month in Illinois, and House Bill 3428 requires training sessions between nursing home providers and Illinois Department of Public Health surveyors.

The "Homeschool Act" (HB 2827) passed committee despite opposition from home and private school families. The bill requires non-public schools to register annually and home educators to file a form or risk penalties. Jackie Haas opposed the bill, stating, "Illinois lawmakers should be empowering parents to make the best educational decisions for their children, not adding more hurdles and regulations."

Haas visited several community events, including the Kankakee State of the County Address, and met with French Canadian delegates at the French Heritage Museum. Her meetings in Springfield included talks with constituents, advocates, and officials, such as Bin Lau, Alberta Representative to the US Midwest Government of Alberta.

Local businesses recognized in Haas's newsletters include Rubber Rose Books & Print, which offers affordable books and community space, and Candy & Cake in Bourbonnais, known for their desserts and Egyptian cuisine.

Upcoming events hosted by Haas's office include ICASH assistance, an Rx Drop Off Drive, legislative surveys, and community office hours. Constituents are encouraged to engage in legislative dialogues and participate in local initiatives.