Veterans Day, since November 11th, 1919, has been celebrated annually in the United States as a way to show gratitude to those who have selflessly served in one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces.

The holiday grew out of the commemoration of Armistice Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs says, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was to have been the end of “the war to end all wars," and is observed annually on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week that date falls. 

The United States Navy celebrates its historic 250th birthday this year. In commemoration, activities and events have been held across the country, including on the East Coast in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. President Trump marked the celebration with a rally in front of 10,000 sailors in Virginia last week.

The Navy dates back to October 13, 1775, with action taken by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Congress approved supplying General George Washington with an armed schooner and sloop to seize British supplies. Other vessels were sent to patrol key ports to intercept British transports. These armed actions in the final months of 1775 established the U.S. Navy during the early days of the Revolutionary War. 

The city of Cairo, Illinois, located at the southern tip of the state of Illinois, is a community steeped in rich Civil War history. The community is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and served a major role in the Union Army’s strategy for victory. Understanding the geographic significance of control of the two rivers, General Ulysses S. Grant commanded forces that controlled the region’s waterways and rail lines. Grant, who was assigned to command the District of Southeast Missouri, occupied Cairo early in the war (circa 1861), using it as a base for western operations for Union forces. 

The State of Illinois has been notorious in recent years for delays in processing applications and renewals for several professionals who require state professional licensing. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees licenses for over 100 professions.

IDFPR is responsible for licensing and regulating more than 1.2 million professionals. These professionals represent a wide breadth of occupations, including medical practitioners, barbers and hair stylists, pharmacists, engineers, architects, geologists, roofing contractors, accountants, and many more.

World Health Day is marked around the world on April 7th which is the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) founding, 77 years ago in 1948. Each year, it draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year the theme of World Health Day is Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, focused on improving maternal and newborn health and survival.

In Illinois, three physicians are bringing their medical expertise to the state legislature. State Representatives Paul Jacobs, Bill Hauter and Kevin Schmidt are proving that healing extends beyond the clinic, as they work to shape policies that prioritize the health and well-being of their constituents.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is an employer recognition program administered by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). Through the program, VETS accepts voluntary applications from employers for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award beginning on January 31 of each calendar year. The Award recognizes employers who hire and retain veterans, including their efforts to establish employee development programs and veteran specific benefits to improve retention.

“As a proud veteran of the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971, I am encouraging employers to learn about the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act or the Act), signed by President Trump in 2017,” said State Representative Paul Jacobs, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This program recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ, and retain veterans.”

Employer-applicants meeting criteria established in the rule receive a “HIRE Vets Medallion Award.” There are two award tiers, Platinum and Gold, for large (500-plus employees), medium (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Verification of award criteria includes a self-attestation by the applicant CEO or CHRO and a check for violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act (VEVRAA).

Successful employers receive a certificate stating the award year, a digital image of the medallion to use, including as part of an advertisement, solicitation, business activity, or product, and will be recognized on the program website. Award recipients have the opportunity to utilize the medallion in the marketing of their firm as a veteran ready business when hiring and in efforts to attract additional business.

Detailed information about how to gain eligibility can be found at the HIRE Vets Medallion Program can be found at HIREVets.gov or by contacting HIREVets@dol.gov.

Illinois House Republican State Representatives C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), Mike Coffey (R-Springfield), and Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) held a Capitol news conference during Committee Deadline Week to denounce Illinois’ costly and dangerous “Sanctuary State” policy.

When our county needed them, Veterans stepped up answering the call to serve with distinction. Our nation’s Veterans swore a solemn oath to support and defend our Constitution and through their courage, sacrifice and commitment, they defended our freedoms. Veterans have earned our undying gratitude and our ongoing support. Illinois House Republicans believe it is not enough to just honor these heroes on Veterans Day: They deserve our recognition every single day of the year. What’s more, they deserve policymakers who will go the extra mile to ensure Veterans receive the benefits and support they have more than earned.

As we celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 248th birthday on October 13, we recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. Since its founding in 1775, the Navy has been a cornerstone of American defense, evolving from a small fleet of ships into a global force that protects not only U.S. interests but also promotes peace and stability around the world.

Practicing optometrist and State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) was awarded the Illinois Optometric Association’s top award, "Legislator of the Year" earlier this week.

Jacobs, a southern Illinois native, has been a practicing optometrist for more than 40 years in the Marion, Carbondale, and Union County areas. Jacobs offered the following remarks to attendees at the annual Illinois Optometric Association’s annual conference held in Springfield at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Studies have shown when students are not engaged in educational activities during the summer break from school they often experience learning loss, effectively erasing gains made during the school year. 

To help students stay ahead of the curve several House Republican lawmakers are sponsoring summer reading programs for kids. The reading programs challenge elementary school-aged students to read on their own during the summer months, choosing their own books and self-reporting their results. 

Less than seven years after a total solar eclipse captivated millions and shined a spotlight on deep southern Illinois, another total solar eclipse will be visible in areas of southern Illinois on the afternoon of April 8. Southern Illinois is considered the eclipse crossroads of America because it was in the centerline for the path of totality in 2017 and will be again next month. 

Since the Revolutionary War more than 41 million Americans have served in our Nation’s military. The first Veterans were part of the Continental Army created in 1775 when colonial militias formed a common army under command of George Washington. Since then, the United States has declared war 11 times and fought in conflicts around the world.

STANDING WITH ISRAEL
House Republicans speak out against atrocities in Israel. On Saturday, October 7, Hamas, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, launched a brutal terrorist attack upon the civilians of the Republic of Israel. This cross-border assault included thousands of rockets fired from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip into Israel and numerous terrorist incursions into the streets and homes of Israeli civilians.

The legend of the Big Muddy Monster began 50 years ago and locals are now embracing its heritage in the southern Illinois community of Murphysboro. Residents reported multiple sightings of a large ‘big foot’ type creature near the Big Muddy River, and there are several police reports documenting what people observed from back in June 1973. The story became national news, with a report in the New York Times and letters pouring into the police department from interested children and adults all across the world. The case files also include artist sketches of the monster and descriptions from eyewitnesses.

With at least 165 wineries and over 100 miles of wine trails, the wine industry in Illinois is thriving and the growth has been exponential in the last 30 years. Illinois is now the 12th-largest wine producing state in the country, which is remarkable considering there were only 12 wineries in the entire state in 1997. Award winning wines in Illinois are made from Native American, French Hybrid and Vinifera grapes, as well as a local fruit. Rose wine is the official wine of Illinois. 

Reps. Hauter and Jacobs bring invaluable expertise to legislature

The only two physicians currently serving in the Illinois House are both Republicans, and they bring forth different areas of expertise along with vast knowledge of important issues that affect all Illinois residents due to their medical backgrounds.

Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) was first elected to the House in 2020 to represent the 115th District. After redistricting, he now serves the 118th District in the far southwestern portion of the state. Jacobs is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and for the last 43 years has practiced optometry in several communities throughout southern Illinois. He and his wife, Rhoda, operated a successful winery in rural Jackson County for 27 years.

Families dealing with the rising cost of just about everything could get a break under legislation filed by Illinois State Rep. Paul Jacobs to cut the sales tax on diapers and diaper wipes from 6.25% to 1%, equaling an 84% reduction. The new rate would be the same as that for medicine and food.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, Illinois is home to more than 439,000 children under the age of 3 years old. With an average monthly supply of diapers per child costing $80, a tax relief on diapers and wipes can help family finances.