Dear Friend,
Last week was certainly a very busy week as the Illinois House of Representatives began its work in earnest for the new 103rd General Assembly. I was pleased to report several new Committee assignments that take effect immediately. I also cast a NO vote against legislation that creates new Rules for the operations of the Illinois House Chamber for the next two years.
Suffice it to say, the old way of doing business (bills passing in the middle of the night, unconstitutional legislation, shell games) is still very much alive and intact in Springfield. I pledge throughout this coming General Assembly to stand up to the excesses and abuses of power by Democrats in Springfield. This week’s edition of the Jacobs Journal has background information on these issues, as well as a press release announcing my support for a bill that would repeal the recently signed firearms ban.
Rep. Jacobs Joins Effort to Repeal Firearms Ban
SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) has added his name to legislation that would repeal the recently signed and highly controversial firearms ban law. Jacobs voted against the bill in the Lame Duck Session of 2023 and says his sponsorship of HB 1564 reflects a consistent position that favors the Constitutional Rights of law-abiding citizens.
“I’ve been very consistent throughout my time in the legislature. I have a 100% pro-2nd Amendment voting record. The law that was signed in January 2023 by Governor Pritzker is a violation of the 2nd Amendment and restricts the rights of law-abiding citizens that wish to use commonly used firearms to protect themselves, their family, and their property,” Jacobs said.
After new district boundaries took effect on January 11, 2023, Rep. Jacobs became the State Representative for the city of Marion. Jacobs was one of 7 lawmakers from Southern Illinois that participated in a town hall meeting on the subject of gun control in Marion that drew a crowd of more than 900 concerned citizens from across the region.
“What I heard from my constituents and the people of Southern Illinois was that they are demanding action to oppose this unconstitutional overreach by supermajority Democrats and Governor Pritzker,” Jacobs said. “My sponsorship of legislation that would repeal this firearms ban reflects the values of the constituents that I serve. I look forward to a fair and open hearing on this bill. Law-abiding citizens are not the reason our crime problem is out of control and they certainly should be outraged at the legislation signed by Governor Pritzker. The firearms ban should be repealed.”
Jacobs joins Representative Dave Severin, Representative Patrick Windorst, and Representative David Friess of Southern Illinois in sponsoring the repeal measure.
Rep. Jacobs Announces Several House Committee Appointments
POMONA – 118th District State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) has been appointed to serve on several key Illinois House Committees. Rep. Jacobs is currently serving his second term in the Illinois House, having taken office with new district boundaries in effect as of January 11, 2023.
Jacobs, a veteran of the US Navy, says he is excited to once again serve on the Illinois House Veterans Affairs Committee for the second time as a State Representative.
“I love our veterans, and I have a special place in my heart for those who serve our country. Serving on the House Veterans Affairs Committee will give me the opportunity to push for legislation to improve services to our veterans and their families,” Jacobs said. “I look forward to helping foster positive changes at the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs as a member of this committee as well.”
Rep. Jacobs has also served as an optometrist for 43 years in Southern Illinois. Jacobs received an appointment to serve on the IL House’s Health Care Licenses Committee.
“As a physician, I have a keen understanding of the shortages of nurses and other health care professionals in Illinois,” Jacobs said. “Through my work on the Health Care Licenses Committee I plan to push for reforms that will streamline the process to recruit and retain more nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to Southern Illinois to reduce our shortages. The people of Southern Illinois deserve access to the best health care in the world.”
Jacobs will also serve on two higher education related committees. The 118th district is home to Southern Illinois University, John A. Logan College, and Shawnee Community College.
“As a member of both the House Higher Education Appropriations and House Higher Education Committees, I will be working to make our colleges and universities even better than they already are, and to fight for a fair share of funding for these world-class institutions,” Jacobs said. “I’ve been a strong advocate for SIU and John A. Logan College in the past and that work will continue in this new General Assembly.”
Jacobs has also been appointed to serve on the House’s Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Data Analysis Committee.
STAY CONNECTED!
As the new 118th district boundaries have taken effect, I have opened an office in Marion and Carbondale to serve the needs of the residents of my new district. It is my honor to serve you. My staff is available at the following locations to assist you with any state-government related needs!
District Office – Marion
600 Halfway Rd. Suite 103
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 559-7018
District Office – Carbondale
206 W. College, Suite 2
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-534-9880
Springfield Office
234-N Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-0387