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.