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Hastings commends local disaster proclamations after July 27 storms

FRANKFORT - State Senator Michael E. Hastings today thanked Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for issuing disaster proclamations covering areas impacted by the severe storms that struck the south suburbs and eastern Will County on Monday, July 27.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to President Preckwinkle and County Executive Bertino-Tarrant for their decisive leadership in declaring disaster areas,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These local proclamations are critical first steps that position our communities to access the resources needed for recovery after the devastating high winds, tornadoes, fallen trees, structural damage and prolonged power outages that hit our region so hard.”

The storms produced extreme straight-line winds of 80 to 100 mph, confirmed tornadoes, heavy rain and hail. Hardest-hit communities included Crete, University Park, Steger, Monee, Beecher, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Matteson, Richton Park and other parts of eastern Will County and southern Cook County. Thousands of residents and businesses experienced significant property damage and extended power outages, with cleanup and restoration efforts continuing.

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Hastings calls for an emergency proclamation in the South Suburbs

FRANKFORT - In response to the July 27 storms that impacted the South Suburbs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings called for an emergency proclamation and released the following statement:

“After spending the past two days traveling throughout the south suburbs, one thing is clear: our communities were hit hard by Monday’s storms.

“I’ve spoken with local leaders, emergency managers, first responders and residents who are still dealing with widespread damage, extended power outages, fallen trees and significant cleanup efforts. While our communities have shown incredible resilience, the scale of this storm demands additional support.

“Today, I am calling on Governor JB Pritzker and the State of Illinois to declare the communities impacted by Monday’s storms a disaster area. Doing so will help unlock expanded state resources and relief to assist our residents, local governments and businesses as they recover.

“Our municipalities have worked tirelessly, but they should not have to shoulder this burden alone. The people of the south suburbs deserve every available resource to help them rebuild and recover.

“To all of our public works crews, police officers, firefighters, ComEd lineworkers, tree removal crews and volunteers who have been working around the clock, thank you. Your dedication has made a tremendous difference during a difficult week.

"I will continue working with state and local officials to ensure our communities receive the assistance they need and deserve.”

Hastings advocates for domestic violence survivors with coerced debt safeguards

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation that protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, exploitation and human trafficking from being forced to repay coerced debt, or debts they never willingly took on. State Senator Michael E. Hastings, who has long pushed for stronger consumer and domestic violence protections, called the law a critical step forward.

“Economic abuse is one of the most powerful and least visible tools abusers use to trap their victims,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “When someone is forced to take on debt in their name, or has their identity used without consent, that debt can destroy their credit, block them from housing and jobs, and keep them trapped in dangerous situations. This law gives survivors a real path to reclaim their financial independence.”

House Bill 4659, which takes effect Jan. 1, allows survivors to stop collection activity by submitting a formal Statement of Coerced Debt, supported by a police report, court order or verification from a qualified third party such as a domestic violence advocate, attorney or medical professional.

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Hastings announces new EV charging station in Mokena

MOKENA – State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Village of Mokena will soon benefit from an electric vehicle charging station through a recently awarded National Vehicle Infrastructure Grant.

“We are continuing to see more and more electric vehicles hit the roads of the South Suburbs,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “As the landscape for vehicles continues to change and evolve, Illinois stands at the forefront of innovation. This new station in Mokena will help the South Suburbs establish a strong network for EV drivers.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced it is awarding $23.5 million through the latest cycle of grants, representing a new round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding in Illinois and facilitating the construction of 140 new charging ports. Each of the 29 locations will have at least four fast charging ports to fully charge a typical EV from empty in less than 30 minutes. Nearly $1.3 million was awarded to Heartland Charging Services for a new station at a commercial site at 19818 La Grange Rd. in Mokena. All awards are contingent on the recipients entering into grant agreements with IDOT.

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