Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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’ missing persons identification measure passes Senate State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ passing legislation in the Senate that would accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases. “Law enforcement often starts, and sometimes stops, with criminal databases like CODIS for…
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Senator Michael Hastings: “Storm chasers” have no place in Illinois State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed legislation through the Senate aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters. “In light of some tragic storms in the area, we need to protect Illinois’ residents,”…
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Hastings supports updating online harassment law In Illinois, law enforcement officers and prosecutors who charge suspects accused of harassment need updates to the law to reflect today’s use of technology. State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting legislation to reflect the realities of how offenses are being committed in the present day. “The world is…
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Hastings advances measures to simplify subscription cancellations, & fights for stronger oversight of Buy-Now-Pay-Later loans to protect Illinois consumers SPRINGFIELD — Subscription services often make canceling an active subscription difficult and convoluted in order to make customers give up or forget to cancel the service. To combat this practice, State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced…
Hastings calls for regulation on online prediction markets skirting Illinois gambling laws SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is calling for support on legislation aimed at addressing online prediction platforms that allow users to wager money on real world events while avoiding the licensing and oversight required of regulated gambling operators in Illinois. “These…
Hastings calls for enhanced training for court-appointed guardians to protect Illinois children SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a subject matter hearing for a measure sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings emphasizing the importance of high-quality training for guardians ad litem in Illinois courts. This would better protect…
Hastings: new legislation could save homes, protect equity for families facing tax sales SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting legislation designed to provide critical relief to Cook County homeowners at risk of losing their homes in the county’s 2023 tax sale. Hastings, a chief co-sponsor on the bill, worked to pass the…
Hastings builds on missing persons identification methods SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work by advancing legislation that would accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases. “Families dealing with a missing loved one should not have to wait for answers,”…
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Senator Michael Hastings reacts to FY 27 budget proposal SPRINGFIELD — After hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement: “Our state budget faces real challenges, particularly with uncertainty in federal funding that supports Medicaid and essential services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program….
Hastings working towards stronger consumer protections for Illinois families Subscription services often make canceling an active subscription difficult and convoluted in order to make customers give up or forget to cancel the service. In response, State Senator Michael E. Hastings introduced legislation designed to protect Illinois consumers from hidden fees and confusing subscription contracts. “This…
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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…
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…
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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)….
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…
Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2699, legislation that would require insurance companies to provide advance written notice to consumers before imposing significant rate increases on home or auto insurance policies. “Consumers deserve to know when a rate increase is coming so they…
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Hastings files legislation to combat ‘cost shifting’ practices in insurance rate setting In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates. “Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,”…