Carbondale Reporter

In a Nov. 7 Tweet, Rep. Paul Jacobs shared his experience at the Hurst Masonic Lodge pork steak dinner.

“Who said Hurst Masonic Lodge Pork steak dinner?" Jacobs tweeted. "We did and this was probably some of the best I’ve had. If you haven’t been before go next year. Here are some of the guys doing what they do! Great time! Don’t forget to purchase Masonic Sausage in one pound packs to take home! Thanks Hurst Masons!"

Ballotpedia wrote Jacobs took to office in 2021 and his term is expected to end in 2023.

Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House in 2020. A Republican, their legislative experience includes serving on the Tourism Committee and Higher Education. Jacobs is a state representative who resides in Pomona, according to the Illinois House.

Vote Smart noted that Jacobs voted against Senate Bill 3490 that at least 7 LGBT-plus citizens are representing fellow queer Illinoisans.

Jacobs has kept himself busy in the run-up to the election. He also announced via Facebook on Nov. 6 that he'd gotten a new endorsement. He wrote: "As we roll on toward Election Day, I am proud to announce I have earned the endorsement of ABATE. I have a strong record of supporting our motorcyclists. I appreciate all ABATE does to educate motorists on motorcycle safety and all that they do for charity. A great organization all around. Thank you ABATE!"

Vote Smart also noted Jacobs voted against giving teachers paid COVID-19 sick days, even if vaccinated.

In another community event, Jacobs visited Brehm Preparatory School during the organization's annual fundraiser on October 24. In his Facebook post, he wrote: "Brehm Preparatory School fundraiser!! You never know who’s showing up at these events. Many of my friends dealing with Veterans or autism or severe attention disorders and on and on. Ramona from the Stables, you don’t get too much more hands on than what she does! Of course Kevin and one of my favorite dogs Roman. Great night, and it looked like a very successful fundraiser!! The big hit was the tremendous Fashion Show by the Brehm students! Thanks for being here Brehm!"

Vote Smart also noted Jacobs voted against increasing the growth of renewable energies in the state.

In September, he called for simplifying, then enforcing laws that are on the book. According to a Capitol News Illinois report, Republican legislators questioned the ISP during a Joint Committee on Administrative Rules session, with the law enforcement agency claiming it didn’t have the right to deny a FOID card to the alleged shooter, Robert Crimo II, who was able to buy weapons just three months after the alleged threat. 

Jacobs, R-Pamona, pointed his finger at the Pritzker administration. “It is amazing how Gov. Pritzker wants to hold honest gun owners accountable for the rise in violent crime, but at the same time, he overlooks his own failure to enforce the very laws he signed,” Jacobs said in an interview. “Instead of lashing out at honest gun owners, the governor should focus on enforcing the law – especially the laws he signed.”