It’s been an intense couple of weeks in Springfield. The democrat majority has shown where their priorities are, and I’m disappointed by some of the choices that have been made lately. But rest assured I have been, and will continue to fight for your needs, no matter what obstacles we face.
In this newsletter, I’d like to update you on the major happenings in Springfield over the last two weeks. We must stay informed and work together so we can bring about the real change Ilinois, and specifically District 82, needs.
As always, it’s an honor to represent you.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tax Relief Stalled in Illinois
Committee deadline week has come and gone. Here is a concerning update! 
Over 100 of the House Republican bills we created were assigned to the House Revenue and Finance Committee this session, with nearly 90 of them focused on providing direct tax relief to hardworking Illinoisans. Yet, only two of our bills were called for consideration:
HB 1459: This bill would exempt certain businesses from paying gas and electricity taxes when the energy is used for manufacturing or assembling goods for sale or lease.
HB 2767: This bill would update tax laws to allow the Department of Revenue to set the rules for registration certificates and requires certain cigarette and tobacco tax filings and payments to be done electronically.
Out of the 32 bills that have passed out of the Revenue Committee so far, these two were the only ones with House Republican chief sponsorship. That’s a passage rate of just 6.25%—ironically, the same rate as the state’s sales tax.
Even more concerning, 22 of our House Republican tax relief bills weren’t even assigned to a committee, leaving critical opportunities for relief on the table.
Illinois families deserve better. It’s time for the majority party to prioritize, meaningful tax relief for all of us, and we, as Republicans will continue to remind them of that.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Human Trafficking Bill Package
Last week, I stood alongside my colleagues, State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro and State Representative Dennis Tipsword to address the horrific reality of human trafficking in Illinois. With our state ranking among the top ten nationwide for human trafficking cases, it’s clear that we must take action to protect the vulnerable and bring justice to survivors.
Every step we take in this fight matters. By pushing for stronger legislation and working hand in hand with advocates and survivors, I’m committed to holding traffickers accountable and ensuring survivors have the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Read more about the press conference and watch my full remarks below.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HB3677 Passes Committee!
My bill, HB 3677, passed out of Consumer Protection committee and we will now have the opportunity for more conversations to make a great bill, better!
This bill is a major step forward in supporting those who rely on wheelchairs. It ensures individuals and independent repair providers can access the tools, parts, and resources needed to complete repairs safely and affordably. It also removes unnecessary barriers like prior authorizations for maintenance for complex rehabilitation technology equipment. Basically equipment that patients cannot live without.
This is a work in progress with stakeholders and patients and we are getting closer! 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Standing with Homeschool Families
The picture above was taken outside of my office last week before the Homeschool Act passed committee. Hopeful homeschool families watched the committee hearing take place, but despite overwhelming opposition from families across Illinois, the Homeschool Act passed committee anyway.
As your Representative, I stand firmly against this bill and the overreaching mandates it seeks to impose on families who choose to homeschool.
Homeschooling is a deeply personal and effective choice for many families, and it’s not the government’s place to interfere with that decision. Tens of thousands of witness slips have been filed in opposition to this bill, an overwhelming show of resistance from parents and advocates who understand the value of educational freedom.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Job Fair in Lemont
I’m thrilled to announce that Senator John Curran and I are teaming up to host a job fair on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 9:00 am to noon at the CORE Fitness Center in Lemont (16050 W. 127th Street). This event is completely free and open to the public, including three workshops designed to help job seekers navigate the hiring process, enhance their personal brand, and ace interviews.
With over 70 employers participating, including major companies and state/local agencies, this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to enter the workforce or explore new career paths. Attendees should come dressed in business attire, bring multiple copies of their resumes, and be ready for on-the-spot interviews.
No matter where you are in your employment journey, this event will provide valuable insights and connections. I hope to see you there as we work together to build brighter futures for our community!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Resources
I’m a huge supporter of small business in our community. Do you want to learn how to start a small business in Illinois? Check out the guide below!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you’d like to receive this newsletter directly in your inbox, click below to sign up!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Don’t forget to follow Rep. La Ha on Facebook!