Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
More Than 100,000 Rideshare Drivers Win Union Rights in Illinois, Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill In final hours of 2026 Illinois Legislative Session…History Made as More Than 100,000 Rideshare Drivers Win Union Rights in Illinois, Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill Heads to Governor Pritzker’s Desk. Landmark Illinois legislation builds on the momentum from the Massachusetts rideshare union…
Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on previous school safety legislation by passing a measure that would enable the use of mobile panic alert systems in Illinois schools. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of…
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Hastings leads effort to expand virtual dental care To expand access to dental care, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is carrying legislation designed to ensure patients can access virtual dental care safely while maintaining strong professional standards. “Whether it is because of a disability or lack of access to transportation, people often struggle to make…
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Hastings leads effort to protect Illinois clients and attorneys from private equity interference State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation that would safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors, hedge funds and investor‑backed management services organizations. “This legislation is about ensuring that legal decisions in Illinois…
Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families State Senator Michael E. Hastings was joined at a press conference Wednesday by Senators Willie Preston, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Christopher Belt, and Doris Turner to announce new legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency,…
Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide…
Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District. “Good quality roads, highways and transportation networks are the foundation for a safe community,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “The Rebuild Illinois projects…
Senator Michael Hasting bipartisan-backed proposal to crack down on crime now law State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ measure to help police and sheriffs quickly track stolen vehicles is now law. “This measure helps us evolve by better utilizing the latest technology to track criminal actions,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We already know that there is technology…
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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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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 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…
Orland Township Democratic Organization to honor Former Secretary of State Jesse White on Feb. 23
Tickets and Ads available for the February 23rd event at Papa Joe’s Restaurant in Orland Park by visiting the Orland Township Democratic Organization website.
Senator Hastings thanks voters for support in re-election to 19th Senate District seat State Senator Michael E. Hastings released the following statement on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 following the final tabulation of votes in the Nov. 8, 2022 General election. Hastings was re-elected to his seat representing the 19th Illinois Senate District where he has…
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Senator Hastings urges Illinoisans to work together to end stigma around mental health As World Mental Health Day approaches on Oct. 10, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging Illinoisans to work together to end the stigma around mental health. Hastings (D-Frankfort) has spent his career advocating for mental health funding and support for residents…
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Hurley and Cunningham Invite Residents to Free Prescription Drug Takeback Event July 9 in Merrionette Park Residents are being encouraged to bring their unused and expired prescription medication for safe disposal at a free community event hosted by state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, scheduled for Saturday, July 9 from…
GOP House candidate George Kemper condemns Feigenholtz Cartoon that attacks Catholics Kemper, candidate for the Illinois House in the 12th District in Illinois has condemned the cartoon and demanded an apology George Kemper, Republican candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 12th District (Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park) today condemned the vicious anti-Catholic cartoon posted…
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