Thank you for reading this edition of “Representative La Ha’s Latest.” We are entering the last few weeks of our Spring Legislative Session, and I’ve got a lot to share with you today! And don’t forget to stayed tuned for further updates as things are going to ramp up quickly as we get closer to the end of session!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
News
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remembering Steve “Mongo” McMichael
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael. Steve embodied the spirit of resilience, strength, and leadership both on and off the football field. As a Chicago Bears icon, Super Bowl champion, and a cornerstone of the ‘Monsters of the Midway,’ he brought endless pride to our community and represented the very best of Homer Glen.
It was an honor to recognize Steve last year with House Resolution 0910, celebrating his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His remarkable career and courageous fight against ALS have left an indelible mark on all who admired him. Steve’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we remember the incredible life he lived.
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family and loved ones as we join together in mourning his passing and honoring his memory. You can watch my full comments on Mongo on the House Floor by clicking the link below.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HR0173 Passes Committee
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I’m proud to share that HR0173, my resolution declaring May 2025 as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois, passed the Human Services Committee this morning!
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects so many aspects of life, not just for those diagnosed, but for their families and caregivers as well. This resolution is one way we can stand with them, by shining a light, spreading awareness, and encouraging the continued pursuit of research, treatments, and resources.
Every voice matters, and I’ll keep using mine to advocate for families facing these kinds of challenges every single day.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fallen Peace Officers Ceremony
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Fallen Peace Officers Ceremony last week was a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to wear the badge.
At the Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, we joined law enforcement from across Illinois to honor the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty this past year. Standing beside their families and fellow officers, we remembered their bravery, their sacrifice, and the weight of the service they carried every day. May we never take that sacrifice for granted, and may we never forget those who gave everything to protect us.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accessible Parks
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As a mom, an advocate, and your State Representative, I believe every child deserves a chance to play, and that means designing parks and playgrounds where kids of all abilities can laugh, explore, and grow together.
Right now, we’re seeing incredible examples of universal playground design across Illinois, like: Rolling Meadows’ Countryside Park, with its innovative Quito Web Climber, which challenges kids to think creatively about movement. Hero Park in Round Lake Beach, one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in the suburbs, featuring sensory-friendly spaces and designs that foster interaction for all abilities.
These parks are setting a new standard for accessibility, and with House Bill 1788, I’m working to bring these kinds of playgrounds to District 82 and across Illinois! I’m grateful that last fall we were able to break ground on Phil Fuentes Ability Park in Cicero.
HB1788 prioritizes universal playground design in state park grants, encouraging our communities to go beyond the basics to create spaces where all children can play together side by side. That means:
Equipment designed for shared play
Sensory-friendly spaces for kids with different needs
Intuitive layouts fostering inclusion and interaction
We have the opportunity to raise the standard for what outdoor spaces can be, and I’m committed to making sure families in District 82 and beyond have parks that truly belong to them.
HB1788 has already passed the House with strong bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate! Let’s keep working to make Illinois parks welcoming, innovative, and fun for all.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the District
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Recycle Event
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Recycle Event this past Saturday — we had an incredible turnout with over 100+ cars! A huge thank you to our amazing community partners who helped make this event a success:• E-Tech Trading • Goodwill Industries • Lemont Lions Club • Lemont Police Department • Lemont VFW Post 5819 • Paper Tiger • Working Bikes And to all the volunteers — especially the students from Lemont High School — thank you for stepping up and giving your time. It was truly inspiring to speak with so many young people who care about making a difference in their community We couldn’t have done it without you!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hinsdale Little League
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I had the honor of recognizing the Hinsdale Little League 12U team with a Resolution from the Illinois House of Representatives for their unforgettable 2024 season. With a perfect 13-0 record leading up to the Little League World Series, this team made history as the first from Hinsdale to ever reach the Little League World Series — proudly representing Illinois on the international stage.
It was an amazing evening that reflected commitment, gratitude, and community spirit to celebrate this remarkable group of young athletes.
A special thank you to the Hinsdale Public Library for providing their community room and the baseball cookies that made the evening even sweeter!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Get Involved!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Help Us Spotlight Local Small Businesses!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community, and I want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve! Each month, I’ll be highlighting a standout small business on my social media pages.
That’s where YOU come in! Know an amazing local business that goes above and beyond? Nominate them on my website! I’ll select one business each month to feature, celebrating their hard work and contributions to our community.
Submit your nomination here: https://replaha.com/nominate-a-local-business/
I can’t wait to read your submissions!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you’d like to receive these important updates directly to your inbox, sign-up here:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Don’t forget to follow Rep. La Ha on Facebook!