Hastings: South Suburban vaccination site is a monumental mark in the fight against COVID-19

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined state and local officials today on a tour of the Tinley Park Convention Center, which will play host to a COVID-19 vaccination hub for the South Suburbs.

“Today’s establishment of a mass vaccination site at the Tinley Park Convention Center is a monumental mark in the fight against COVID-19 in the South Suburbs,” Hastings said “Efforts of this scale do not come to fruition without the complete dedication of state and local leaders. Their willingness to coordinate made this achievement possible, and the people of the South Suburbs will undoubtedly be in a better place for it.”

Cook County residents can book a vaccination appointment starting noon today through the Cook County Public Health Department’s website. Through this process, which begins at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, this site will administer nearly 9,000 does per week and will have the capacity to administer 18,000 doses per week as soon as the federal vaccine supply increases.

“Members of our National Guard and medical community are working around the clock to ensure that we meet our goal of providing folks across the Southland with reliable access to the vaccine,” Hastings said. “Their efforts have resulted in a simple, efficient process and I encourage everyone to take the 15 minutes necessary to partake when you are eligible.”

Over 3.2 million Illinoisans are eligible for Phase 1B of vaccine distribution. Eligible residents, including everyone over age 65 and frontline essential workers, will be able to receive a vaccine at one of the Illinois National Guard assisted sites, at a site operated by a local health department, or at a partner pharmacy.  

Hastings provides an update on streamlined licensing process for military members

FRANKFORT – In order to ease the burden of getting state licenses for military members and their families, the State of Illinois is expediting the licensing review process for military members seeking to obtain professional licensure in Illinois.

Hastings announces BIG grant funding for 18 local businesses

FRANKFORT – Eighteen South Suburban businesses received Business Interruption Grant money, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) announced Thursday.

“With COVID-19 positivity and death rates increasing, Governor Pritzker has put mitigation measures in place for communities across the state. As a result, South Suburban business owners have had to endure multiple shutdowns,” Hastings said. “It is essential that the state provides help, and I am incredibly appreciative that our businesses that have borne the brunt of this pandemic were prioritized in this round of grants."

Businesses were awarded $5,000-$150,000 grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“I have spoken to numerous recipients of these grants, which I voted this past session to fully fund, and they have expressed to me how helpful the money was in helping their businesses stay afloat. From Tom Kelly’s Pub in New Lenox to Flavor in Richton Park, I have seen firsthand the difference these grants have made in the lives of our business owners and their employees.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.

Hastings: It’s our moral obligation to offer financial relief to utility customers

FRANKFORT - Earlier this week, the Illinois Commerce Commission announced an extension of the moratorium on disconnections through winter 2021, a move State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) called for as leader of the Senate’s Energy and Public Utilities working group this past legislative session.

”Until a vaccine is readily available, COVID-19 is here to stay. That means we need to continue doing everything in our power to provide meaningful assistance to our people,” Hastings said. Extending moratoriums on shutoffs and providing additional financial relief for life-saving utility services is our moral obligation.”

Numerous utility companies throughout the state have extended the moratorium on disconnections for eligible low-income residential customers, and those who self-report to utilities that they are experiencing financial or COVID-19 hardship through March 31, 2021. Those companies include Aqua Illinois, Illinois-American Water Company, Utility Services of Illinois, MidAmerican, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas Company, Peoples Gas, Liberty Utilities and ComEd.

Customers are urged to call their utility company if they have missed bill payments or are struggling to pay bills. No documentation or written proof is necessary, but an explanation of your difficulty is necessary. Deferred payment arrangements are also available for both residential and small business customers needing help managing their utility bill obligation.