Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Senator Michael Hastings appointed Chairman of the Illinois Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee State Senator Michael Hastings, an Iraq war veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone, was named this week as the Chairman of the Illinois State Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee. “Our veterans selflessly served our country and…
Senator Michael Hastings and Frankfort Park District invite residents to Ninja Park grand opening State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Frankfort Park District invite families and neighbors to attend the grand opening of the new Ninja Park on Tuesday, July 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Meadows Ninja Park located at…
Illinois Rep Rashid among those threatened by armed American Israeli settlers during pogrom in Turmosaya, Palestine The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee has called for an official investigation into American Israelis who hold dual citizenship and who are involved in a growing wave of anti-Palestinian pogroms and violence. State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid sends letter to his…
Undocumented immigrants will be given drivers licenses, Secretary Giannoulias says Giannoulias: New Legislation Aims to End the Stigma for Immigrant Drivers; Make Illinois Roads Safer. Legislation will allow state to issue standardized licenses to legally licensed immigrant motorists Legislation approved by Illinois lawmakers will expand identification options for undocumented immigrants and make Illinois roads safer,…
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Senator Hastings-backed law will help protect consumers Residents across the Southland will have a new law in place to protect them from annoying auto-renewal fees, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “We have all fallen victim to unclear auto-renewal fees,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This new law will now require companies to…
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Hastings pleased to see plan to support people with developmental disabilities, Tinley Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings is pleased to see the Fiscal Year 2024 budget signed into law on Wednesday will prioritize support for direct service providers, Tinley Park remediation efforts and historic levels of funding for area higher education facilities. “Next fiscal…
Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined members of the Illinois State Senate to support a Fiscal Year 2024 budget to promote fiscal responsibility, funding to promote mental health services and support our children’s education opportunities.Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement in response:“The…
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Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit The unit will focus on preventing violence and addressing conflict in Chicago via community Peacekeepers Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services are launching a Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit (CPRU), a highly mobile team that…
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Senator Hastings shepherds law readying South Suburban Airport opening HB2531 South Suburban Airport legislation passed the Illinois Senate by a 33-20 vote on Wednesday May 17, 2023 Legislation that brings the building of the South Suburban Airport one step closer to reality was approved this week by the Illinois General Assembly, co-sponsored by State Senators…
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Hastings passes bipartisan measure to crackdown on crime New Illinois law backed by Senator Michael E. Hastings requires requires Illinois car manufacturers to establish a 24/7 hotline for police and consumers to utilize in case of a carjacking or kidnapping Working across the aisle and in tandem with law enforcement, State Senator Michael E. Hastings…
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Proposed Chicago School District map is a “gerrymandered disgrace” Chicago GOP officials say The Chicago Republican Party today decried the proposed map of the Chicago School Board Districts released by Illinois Senate Democrats, as well as the provision of the current bill establishing the new “temporarily hybrid” school board in Chicago. “This map is a…
Hastings fights to protect Illinoisans’ right to read, pushes law prohibiting libraries from banning books State Senator Michael E. Hastings fights to protect Illinoisans’ right to read. New law would ban the banning of books by local libraries A measure requiring libraries or library systems to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights…
Giannoulias Issues First 100-Days Report Outlining Major Accomplishments “Getting it Done” Report Features Achievements to Modernize the Office Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released his First 100 Days report today, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments since taking office in January. The 16-page report reflects how the new Secretary has pursued an aggressive agenda to improve…
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Hastings advances measure to fight crime, track stolen vehicles Illinois may soon have a law on the books to help law enforcement quickly track stolen vehicles, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. Hastings (D-Frankfort) advanced House Bill 2245, which requires Cook County to establish a vehicle theft hotline to facilitate the location of a…
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Arab Americans oppose “MENA” bill and urge “ARAB” be recognized as an MBE and in Census Arab American leaders are pushing back against legislation that would designate the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) category for the Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and the U.S. Census arguing that the MENA Category will only help fuel more…
Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges Legislation introduced this week by State Senator Michael Hastings will require companies to provide “clear notice” on contracts that automatically renew. Hastings said that oftentimes contracts are renewed automatically without giving consumers proper or formal notice of the upcoming renewal or giving them…
Jesse White honored by Orland Township Democrats at successful fundraiser By Ray Hanania A gathering of the Orland Township Democratic Organization (OTDO) on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, honored the 24-year service of former Secretary of State Jesse White. White expressed his gratitude for the support he has received including from the more than 150 people who attended…
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Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team report Report serves as a road map to modernize the office, transform operations, and upgrade services Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today released his Transition Team’s report that will serve as a blueprint for modernizing the office, transforming operations and expanding services to best serve…
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