Category: Illinois Legislature

Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Olympia Fields Park District has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to begin renovations at Bicentennial Park. “Bicentennial Park is an anchor for the Olympia Fields community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This investment will help modernize the park…

Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire

The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Chicago, IL – The proposed Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs. “The only result guaranteed in…

Business, Energy, Environment, Illinois Legislature, News, news release, NewsWire, Releases

Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured over $123 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs. “Our transportation system is how families get to work, students get to school and businesses connect with customers,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….

construction, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield

October 2, 2025October 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Chicago, IL – The Illinois Legislature should not rush to approve a battery energy storage proposal that guarantees out-of-state battery companies a 20-year profit paid for by Illinois utility customers, a leading energy ratepayer advocacy association said Wednesday. Phillip Golden, chairman…

Business, Energy, Illinois Legislature, News, news release, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Releases, Technology

Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park. “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license…

Baby Boomers, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings introduces bill to protect consumers in insurance rate setting

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings introduces bill to protect consumers in insurance rate setting State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2691, legislation that would examine whether Illinois families are paying unfairly high premiums due to nondriving factors that have little to do with actual risk on the road or in the home. “Families in Illinois deserve…

Illinois Legislature, Insurance, Michael Hastings, News

Hastings meets with Matteson School District 162 leaders to strengthen school safety measures

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings meets with Matteson School District 162 leaders to strengthen school safety measures State Senator Michael E. Hastings visited Matteson School District 162 last week to meet with Superintendent Dr. Blondean Davis and district leaders to discuss security measures, rapid response plans and other protocols designed to keep students safe. The meeting focused on how…

Education, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funding will support an…

Fire, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 News Editor No Comments

Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz Former congressional aide challenges Illinois State Senator infamous for her anti-Arab and anti-Muslim political rhetoric, Sara Feigenholtz in 6th Illinois Senate District. Click these links to view Feigenholt’s racist conduct. Feigenholtz Islamophobic Social Media Posts … Arabs and Muslims call for Feigenholtz to resign It’s Nick…

Culture, elections, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Racism

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor As you know, I have never been a big fan of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or, for that matter, many of the most recent governors we have had, including Bruce Rauner, Pat Quinn, or “Mr. Celebrity” Governor, Rod Blagojevich. (Previously published on Ray…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region Illinois faces a growing public safety crisis, and nowhere is it more evident than in Chicago. While Washington, D.C. has seen progress under President Donald J. Trump’s crime initiative—leading to hundreds of illegal firearm arrests and thousands overall—our own state leadership refuses to take decisive action….

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project

August 30, 2025August 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project Gov. J.B. Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch,” and legislative leaders and local mayors praised a projected to convert a building to low-income housing in Maywood by Rev. John Harrell and Black Men United. CLICK HERE to view a…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Culture, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally Community, religious, and elected leaders endorse Harrell for the 8th State House District at a press conference held at Macarthur Restaurant, 5412 W. Madison Street, Chicago, Monday, April 11, 2025 Chicago, IL – John Harrel formally announced his candidacy for the…

Chicago, elections, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, Maria Pappas, News, news release, NewsWire, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Chicago Black Pastors gather to praise John Harrell candidacy for 8th State House District

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Black Pastors gather to praise John Harrell candidacy for 8th State House District More than two dozen prominent African American pastors representing the largest churches and parishes on Chicago’s South and West Sides on Tuesday (Aug. 5, 2025) praised and encouraged fellow Pastor John Harrell’s decision to run for State Representative in the 8th Illinois House…

elections, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics

Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Federal Prison after Corruption Conviction A federal judge in Chicago today sentenced former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Michael J. Madigan to…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Illinois Legislature, Law, Media Bias, News, Politics

Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced an Oak Forest manufacturer has been selected to participate in and receive state funding through the Made in Illinois Grant Program. “To keep up with big business, small-scale local manufacturers need support to help them thrive and achieve their goals,” said…

Business, Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk. “Donating an organ is a beautiful and selfless act,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Workers need to be treated with respect,…

Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program. “Excessive and flat-out unfair prices are being set on prescription drugs with no accountability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….

Baby Boomers, Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Seniors