STATE REPRESENTATIVE · DISTRICT 79
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December 2025: Hear from Haas
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Hello everyone! I hope you all stayed warm during our first snowstorm of the season and enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday.
This year, I spent my Thanksgiving feeling incredibly thankful for our community. Last month, I released a statement on my recent health diagnosis after my medical team found a malignant tumor on my neck. The outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from our community has been overwhelming, and I am incredibly thankful! My prognosis is good and I look forward to continuing my work for the people of the 79th District as I receive treatment.
Due to the snowstorm over the weekend, our Fill the Bus Drive was rescheduled to TODAY from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. More details below!
Finally, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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New Bill Roundtable Today!
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Please join my office at our annual New Bill Roundtable event today from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at my district office! The best legislation typically comes from members of the community, and I want to learn how I can help make your life better.
Unable to attend but still want to suggest an idea? Fill out my New Bill Suggestion Form by clicking here.
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Fill the Bus Drive - RESCHEDULED!
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Due to the expected snow and hazardous travel conditions over the weekend, the Fill the Bus Toy Drive was rescheduled to today from 3–6 PM.
We want everyone to be able to participate safely and help make Christmas morning brighter for children across Kankakee County.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us Fill the Bus for our local families!
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November Local Business Spotlight: Lori's Restaurant
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For my November Local Business Spotlight, I am honored to feature Lori’s Restaurant in Kankakee! The team at Lori’s showed incredible resilience to remain open following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which was an immensely challenging time for many of our restaurants.
Current owners Miguel and Zenaida Puebla purchased Lori’s in June of 2020. Miguel worked at Lori’s for over fifteen years before deciding to purchase the business with his wife during the pandemic. They currently employ seven workers, including three of their children.
Not only are the Puebla Family a great example of stepping up during challenging times, but they continue to give back to our community. Lori’s Restaurant partners with Catholic Charities to provide meals to local seniors during business hours and via delivery. That dedication deserves to be commended, and I am proud to honor their contributions.
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Around the District & Under the Dome
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DEA National Rx Take Back Day
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We had great attendance at our Rx Take Back Drive, co-hosted by the DEA in honor of National Drug Take Back Day! We were also thrilled to help collect items for our other event partners: Georgie's Closet and the Lions Club. Thank you to everyone who showed up to help these local organizations, and to make our community safer!
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Business Breakfast at Kankakee School District
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I attended the business breakfast at the Kankakee School District. The discussion focused on absenteeism and how we can work together to ensure students are attending school, which is critical to helping them thrive. Thank you to KSD for this informational meeting!
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Alexis McCullough's Eagle Scout Ceremony
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My office was proud to attend Alexis McCullough’s Eagle Scout Ceremony while I was away in Springfield. Alexis’ Eagle Scout Project was creating the Gold Star Families Memorial in Bourbonnais. A well-deserved night to recognize her remarkable achievements!
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Center of Hope, a food pantry in Kankakee, welcomed me to their facility for a tour! They service about 600 families in the community every week, and are currently accepting donations for food, toiletries, garden produce, and monetary donations.
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Cook County Legislative Breakfast
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I attended the Cook County Legislative Breakfast. This annual event allows the county to share their upcoming policy priorities and plans with local legislators. Thank you for hosting us!
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Women United 5 Year Celebration
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Women United hosted their 5 year celebration at the Venu Lounge. They discussed the origin of Women United and how they’ve had an impact on our community, along with their future plans.
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I attended a Veterans Day event, hosted by the Ray Olley Memorial Project Missions. It was an honor to support our veterans, and to hear from guest speaker Major Dennis Davoren, who bravely shared his experience as a veteran with PTSD.
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42nd Annual Bishop McNamara Gala
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I had a wonderful time attending the 42nd Annual Bishop McNamara Gala – Love, Loyalty, Friendship: A Celtic Tradition! This annual event raises money for the Bishop McNamara school in Kankakee. I was happy to attend and support my alma mater!
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Kankakee Park District Annual Gala
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We had a wonderful night attending the Kankakee Valley Park District’s Annual Gala! My office was proud to sponsor this event to support our local park district!
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Kankakee CEO Fall Meet and Greet
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My office attended the Kankakee CEO fall meet and greet. This is such an incredible program that encourages our next generation of business leaders. We are all looking forward to seeing what they accomplish this year!
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Success By 6 Monthly Meeting
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Success By 6 hosted their monthly meeting. My office was happy to provide a legislative update related to early childhood education, such as literacy programs and addressing licensing delays.
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Kankakee Development Corporation Annual Meeting
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The Kankakee Development Corporation (KDC) hosted their annual meeting. They provided updates on what KDC has been working on in downtown Kankakee. Great work by all involved!
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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.
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📌 December 3 – New Bill Roundtable
Rep. Haas' District Office | 187 Schuyler Avenue, Suite 110, Kankakee | 12 PM – 2 PM
📌 December 3 – Fill the Bus Drive
Dick's Sporting Goods Parking Lot | Route 50 North, Bradley | 3 PM – 6 PM
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Talk to you soon,
State Representative Jackie Haas
District 79
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