FRANKFORT – Dozens of local businesses were recently awarded more than $1.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to aid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).

“COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on small businesses, especially in service and tourism industries,” Hastings said. “These grants will provide essential assistance to ensure local businesses can recover financially, as well as ensure they are able to serve their community as safely as possible.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. Hastings voted to allocate funding for this program in last year’s state budget debate, and is eager to see its impact on his community.

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FRANKFORT – The City of Markham is set to receive $900,000 in grants to revitalize the local business community, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).

Markham will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Development to enhance and provide additional services to local businesses through its Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The grant is made possible by the state’s historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, which Hastings was proud to support in 2019.

“These vital funds will help the City of Markham boost economic development and provide essential resources to small businesses in our community,” Hastings said. “We can work together to build a better tomorrow by creating new jobs and growing our economy.”

Projects for corridor improvements will repair and improve the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses. The projects were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality, and societal impact.

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SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, 2022, Illinois will have a new law on the books to prevent the exploitation of veterans and promote the availability of free service programs, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) championed House Bill 3865, which requires advertisements for veteran and military service benefits to include that these services are available free of charge from federal, state and county veteran service offices.

“The past year has demonstrated just how easy it can be for those with malicious intent to take advantage of Illinois residents,” Hastings said. “It is our obligation to protect our veterans from these nasty scams.”

Additionally, under the new law, the failure to disclose the availability of veteran service programs in advertisements relating to these services would be declared unlawful.

The legislation passed the Senate and House with unanimous support.  The law, now Public Act 102-0386, takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has a new law on the books to help incentivize electric vehicle manufacturers to set up shop and generate good paying jobs in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) championed the historic House Bill 1769, the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, which was signed into law on Tuesday. This new law builds on Hastings’ work to make Illinois a leader in manufacturing electric vehicles and decreasing carbon emissions.

“This new law sends out a signal to businesses across the globe that Illinoisans are ready to work,” Hastings said. “Growing the state’s green economy sets us up to generate jobs of the future while reducing the state’s carbon footprint.”

The law comes on the heels of the state’s historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. House Bill 1769 includes tax credits to incentivize manufactures to make Illinois a hub for electric vehicle and auto battery production, as well as allowing local jurisdictions to abate property taxes for electric vehicle projects.

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