Will County Gazette

Working in the restaurant and food industry is far from easy even when times are good. Working in the industry during a public health crisis, as countless Illinoisans did last year, is truly a test of faith and endurance. 

With these struggles in mind, Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) introduced a bill earlier this month to declare May 10 through 14 "Restaurant Worker Appreciation Week."

"This industry has been plagued by hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Haas said in a May 12 Illinois House GOP video. "Suffering from periods of shutdown and forcing their labor force out of work, and then having to pivot to the increased demand for takeout and delivery orders, all while learning and maintaining new and changing public health guidelines for both personnel and food safety."

Haas said the idea to pay tribute to the restaurant industry was suggested by a constituent whose daughter works long, hard days at a local restaurant. 

"This industry is struggling with the serious lack of understaffing," Haas continued. "We just want them to know and recognize that we appreciate all that you do and offer you a big thank you. Please patronize our local restaurants and be kind and patient with the owners and the staff."

Haas has been an advocate for mental health. In April, she supported a bill that expended insurance coverage for telehealth medical visits to encourage Illinois to keep prioritizing their health during the pandemic.

House Bill 3758 required that health insurance providers who cover telehealth or remote doctors' visits for general or family medicine must also do so for mental health, including substance abuse. 

“I think we all know that in this time of the pandemic that it’s even more important for folks who are still a little bit reluctant to go visit their doctor face to face,” Haas said about the bill according to Kankakee Times.