South West Illinois News

In an April 25 Facebook post Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) announced a May 12 "Pints and Politics" fundraiser at Mary's Restaurant in Herrin. While there's no fee to attend, an RSVP is suggested to ensure that there is an adequate amount of food available.

"Make your reservations today! Seating is limited! Hope to see you there!," said Jacobs.

IIn September, Jacobs announced his bid for re-election, according to WSILTV. "We must address our financial obligations, stop spending money we don't have, and take positive steps to lower taxes and stop self-serving politicians from further damaging the reputation of our state," Jacobs said. "We lost people in the last decade, one of only three states to lose population. My conservative record stands for itself and I am proud to be running for re-election as State Representative to continue to represent the values and views of the people of Southern Illinois."

Before joining the Illinois legislature in 2021, Jacobs was a practicing optometrist in Carbondale and owned a winery in Alto Pass, according to his campaign website. Jacobs and his wife have four grown children and nine grandchildren.

In the past few months, Jacobs has kept himself busy. Most recently, a bill he sponsored and championed to cut back on catalytic converter theft passed the House. "I sincerely appreciate Rep. (La Shawn) Ford's (D-Chicago) leadership and the bipartisan cooperation he offered to address this problematic rising crime," Jacobs said. "It's a sad fact, but we must address this issue. Catalytic converter thieves have shown little regard for the harm they are doing to individual vehicle owners and institutions that provide educational and charitable services to children and adults that need help with transportation. This legislative package offers strong deterrents for people thinking they can make a quick buck by stealing catalytic converters and companies that might offer thieves cash for stolen converters."