FRANKFORT – Illinois has a series of new commonsense laws on the books, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) championed several initiatives that will have a positive impact on the lives of the residents of the Southland.

“This year I sponsored and advocated for new laws to expand our economy, create new jobs and support our nation’s heroes,” Hastings said. “We took some steps to combat carjackings and ensure our first responders have the tools to keep our communities safe.”

Hastings’ sponsored new laws to create new jobs of the future, assist veterans, support first responders and promote safety in communities across the 19^th District.

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined his colleagues to champion a package of proposals to help put money back in the pockets of working families in the South Suburbs.

Hastings is sponsoring a plan to wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies for 10 days in August to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping. As proposed, the sales tax would be lifted from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As a parent, I know back-to-school expenses can be expensive. The prices of pencils, notebooks, new clothes for our growing little ones, and more add up – especially for families with multiple children,” said Hastings. “This proposal recognizes the reality that families across the state face and should help lower the bill on their back-to-school shopping.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty may soon have additional support thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) serves as a chief cosponsor of House Bill 4161, which would require an option on state individual income tax returns to donate to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, several forms of financial support, access to training, and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state.

“This is a small way to make it easier for Illinoisans to support the families of our brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our families safe,” Hastings said. “By increasing the ease for individuals to donate, our hope is to increase donations to support families – especially during an extremely difficult time.”

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SPRINGFIELD – To help address the current mental health workforce shortage, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored a legislative measure to recruit and expand the number of mental health professionals in Illinois.

Hastings served as a chief cosponsor of Senate Bill 3617, which focuses on expanding the current workforce by accelerating the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois. It also streamlines requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years.

“Our mental health affects how we think, feel and relate to others,” Hastings said. “It is important that there are mental health and behavioral health professionals available when Illinois residents take the proactive step to receive essential care.”

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