South Cook News

State Representative Nicole La Ha expressed her commitment to combating human trafficking and advocating for stronger protections for survivors. "As your State Representative, I am committed to standing against these heinous crimes and advocating for stronger protections for survivors and harsher consequences for offenders," she said in a Facebook post dated January 3.

"The Governor has proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Illinois," said La Ha, according to Facebook. "We must continue to combat human trafficking in all its forms and take action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights. As your State Representative, I am committed to standing against these heinous crimes and advocating for stronger protections for survivors and harsher consequences for offenders."

According to the U.S. State Department, since 2010, the President of the United States has annually dedicated January to raising awareness of human trafficking. This initiative aims to educate the public on identifying and preventing human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 underscores the country's commitment to combating human trafficking both domestically and internationally. In 2010, President Barack Obama declared January as "National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month," a proclamation that has been renewed each year. Human trafficking encompasses forced labor and sex trafficking, affecting more than 27.6 million adults and children worldwide.

Screenshot of State Representative Nicole La Ha's Jan. 3 Facebook post | State Representative Nicole La Ha Zweircan's Facebook page

La Ha further elaborated on her legislative efforts: "I am proud to continue fighting for my sponsored legislation to address human trafficking and strengthen justice for victims." She detailed several bills aimed at enhancing legal measures against trafficking offenses: HB 5134 seeks to expand the Sex Offender Registration Act to include crimes such as trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor; HB 5466 aims to eliminate affirmative defenses for individuals accused of patronizing minors engaged in prostitution; HB 5467 proposes removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting trafficking offenses involving minors.

La Ha was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 82nd State House District following John Egofske's resignation. Previously serving as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), she brings extensive experience in public advocacy. La Ha received the International Humanitarian Award in 2018 for exceptional community service. Her campaign website emphasizes her dedication to community service, including her election to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021, where she opposed tax increases and worked on improving life quality for residents with disabilities.