Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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,…
Read More “Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people” »
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)….
Read More “Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs” »
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…
Read More “Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort” »
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…
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…
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…
Read More “Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training” »
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…
Read More “Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin” »
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…
Read More “Hastings thanks the community for their support” »
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…
Read More “First Responder Mental Health Legislation Clears Senate” »
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…
Read More “New state funded EMS Comms system will reduce response time and save lives” »
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…
Read More “Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program” »
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,”…
Read More “Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels” »
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…
Read More “Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month” »
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…
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…
Pritzker makes right choice on abandoned Tinley Mental Health center By Ray Hanania Legislation signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker this week does two important things for Tinley Park and for the southwest region. It secures a productive future for the long abandoned Tinley Mental Health Center, giving it to the Tinley Park Park District to…
Read More “Pritzker makes right choice on abandoned Tinley Mental Health center” »
Senator Michael Hastings secures $17.1 million for for vital improvements to bridges and roads in Lockport and Homer Glen Lockport and Homer Glen are set to receive $17.1 million to make vital improvements to local highways, bridges and roads, thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Sound and safe roads, highways and…
Hastings’ new law will jump start renovation of Tinley Park Mental Health Center The long awaited renovation to the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center will soon be underway thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Transferring the Tinley Park Mental Health Center to the Tinley Park – Park District was one…
Read More “Hastings’ new law will jump start renovation of Tinley Park Mental Health Center” »