Illinois Valley Times

Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) on Tuesday joined fellow Republican House members in unveiling an ambitious agenda. The lawmakers introduced five groups, each assigned a specific goal.

Haas was put in charge of the Supporting Women and Families group.

"It's an honor to lead our working group in support of women and families. Illinois families have been facing many challenges for the past few years, challenges such as inflation, receiving proper medical care and working together with schools and other parents to provide world-class for our children," Haas said. "The realities of Illinois affect our families on a daily basis. We have an acute shortage of childcare workers in many parts of our state, the cost of living in Illinois continues to climb and teacher and medical professional recruitment and retention is difficult."

The remaining four working groups are Sustaining & Protecting At-Risk Kids; Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy; Literacy Improves Future Endeavors; and Improving Public Safety. 

"On top of this, we're experiencing an unacceptable rise in crime in our communities that threaten our loved ones and our peace of mind," Haas said. "Parents should not have to worry about their kids' safety when they're playing outside. House Republicans are introducing legislation to make Illinois a place where families can move and grow for generations, which will mean addressing these challenges from property tax to education. Behavioral health is a big part of the overall health and well-being of our families across our state, that means ensuring families who need access to essential health and human services receive it." 

Haas drew on her own experience as a social worker.

"This also includes having an adequate and properly trained workforce to respond to these needs. As a social worker with over 30 years of experience, I know how critically important it is for families across all of Illinois," Haas said. "We also have legislation to improve childcare quality, increase parental involvement in education and make our community safer."

Haas discussed relevant legislation she has introduced. 

"Specifically regarding the safety of our communities, I have introduced legislation to enhance penalties for violent offenders so criminals are not turned right back onto the streets. I urge House Democrats to consider our legislation and the work we're putting in on these essential issues to make our state a better place to grow and raise our families.

Haas is the Republican spokesperson for the House Health Care Availability & Access and Mental Health & Addiction committees. She also serves on the House Appropriations, Health & Human Services, Human Services; and Prescription Drug Affordability committees. She's been a House representative since December 2020.

Haas was raised in Momence and received her bachelor's degree in social work from Valparaiso University. She received her master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.