Category: Senator Michael Hastings

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

Hastings brings in over $7.2 million in additional funding for local schools through evidence-based funding formula

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings brings in over $7.2 million in additional funding for local schools through evidence-based funding formula State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that local schools in the South Suburbs will receive more than $7.2 million in new evidence-based funding as part of the continued implementation of the landmark education funding reform he supported in…

Education, Frankfort, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings

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

Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $1.6 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use path in the Village of Frankfort. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement…

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

Hastings and Cook County Sheriff’s Office work to streamline missing persons investigations

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings and Cook County Sheriff’s Office work to streamline missing persons investigations State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations. “In missing persons cases, every second and small piece of information is paramount,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation works to give law…

Crime, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Police, Senator Michael Hastings

Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday

May 3, 2025May 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday The Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety candidates will be sworn in to their seats as Trustees of the Orland Fire Protection District at a special meeting of the Fire District on Monday, May 5, 2025, beginning at 5 PM. Taking…

elections, Government, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program. “When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the…

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

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin

April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin By Ray Hanania Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who believes he can buy any election, any time for any amount of money, wants to buy the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Pritzker has pushed his Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton, to run for the…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Senator Michael Hastings, Taxes

Hastings thanks the community for their support

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 Press ReleaseChicago No Comments

Hastings thanks the community for their support State Senator Michael Hastings released a statement expressing his gratitude to voters for returning him to the legislature. “Life has a way of testing our resolve, but in those moments, we discover our greatest strength. Faith keeps us moving forward, family keeps us grounded, and friends like you…

Crime, elections, Festival, Government, News, Politics, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

First Responder Mental Health Legislation Clears Senate

April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 Ray Hanania 3 Comments

First Responder Mental Health Legislation Clears Senate The Illinois Senate passed legislation today proposed by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart that eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for first responders seeking mental health treatment. “We ask first responders to be constantly exposed to traumatic and dangerous situations to protect us,” Sheriff Dart said. “This legislation is a…

Cook County, Fire, Health, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Police, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

New state funded EMS Comms system will reduce response time and save lives

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024 Ray Hanania No Comments

New state funded EMS Comms system will reduce response time and save lives The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) on Wednesday (Jan. 31, 2024) announced that a new CAD-to-CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) technology that will significantly reduce time it takes for firefighters and paramedics in 40 south suburban communities to respond to emergencies. OFPD Fire…

Fire, Government, Health, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology

Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024. “Families should not be forced to choose…

Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Mokena, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Tinley Park

Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels Nine hotels in the 19th District are set to receive more than $700,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Our hospitality industry helps generate revenue and contribute to the economic and social development of our communities,”…

Business, construction, Cook County, Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Mokena, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, restaurants, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Will County

Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month

September 11, 2023September 13, 2023 News Editor No Comments

Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding residents across the 19th District to take the time to discuss and implement readiness plans during National Preparedness Month. “Setting aside time to plan ahead and create readiness plans can make all the difference in saving the…

Features, Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Mokena, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Tinley Park

Decorated Iraq War veteran Senator Michael Hastings appointed to two key statewide veterans groups

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 Press ReleaseChicago No Comments

Decorated Iraq War veteran Senator Michael Hastings appointed to two key statewide veterans groups State Senator Michael E. Hastings was appointed to represent the Senate in two statewide veterans’ task forces. Hastings (D-Frankfort) will be serving as a member on the Breakthrough Therapies for Veterans Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council and on the Veterans Service-Related…

Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, News, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Veterans, Veterans Column

Hastings secures $17.8 million for vital improvements to Tinley Park and neighboring municipalities

August 25, 2023August 26, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings secures $17.8 million for vital improvements to Tinley Park and neighboring municipalities Tinley Park and neighboring municipalities are set to receive $17.8 million to make vital improvements to local highways and roads, thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Our highways, roads and bridges optimize opportunities for economic development, education and…

construction, Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Mokena, News, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Tinley Park